Neutron Physics: Reactor Fundamentals

This lecture covers the fundamental concepts of neutron physics in nuclear reactors, including the four-factor formula for criticality, conversion ratio, and nuclear fuel cycles. It also discusses the characteristics of fissile and fertile nuclides, the criticality condition for reactors, and the neutron balance equation. The lecture delves into topics such as neutron slowing down, angular and scalar fluxes, Laplacian operators, and the diffusion equation. Additionally, it explores the behavior of neutrons in different reactor geometries, such as spherical and slab reactors, and the importance of moderators in neutron slowing down processes.