ABSTRACT
Critical components for a nuclear reactor include nuclear fuel, moderator, reflector, and thermal shield. As mentioned earlier, potential nuclear fuel can employ only selected rare earth materials such as thorium, uranium-232 or plutonium-235. Control of fission reaction is achieved either through control rods containing a strong neutron absorbing material or through neutron shielding or reflectors in order to prevent the escape from the reactor core. A thermal shield and a radiation shield surround the reactor for the protection of the operating personnel or research scientists working in the vicinity of the nuclear reactor installation. Comprehensive research studies undertaken by the author reveal that thorium, uranium-238, and uranium-235 are the most desirable reactor core materials to produce a large output of power. The core consists of fissionable material in the fuel rods and moderator for controlling the energy of neutrons. The nuclear core is surrounded by a reflector of suitable material.
