Neutron Slowing Down in Reactors

This lecture delves into the process of neutron slowing down in nuclear reactors, focusing on the transition from high-energy neutrons to thermal neutrons. The instructor explains the importance of energy distribution, the concept of lethargy, and the role of moderators like hydrogen, graphite, and water. The lecture covers the analytical solutions derived by Fermi for the diffusion equation, the Fermi-H theory, and the implications of neutron energy levels on reactor design. The discussion also touches on the migration area, diffusion area, and the relationship between neutron energy and distance traveled in a reactor.