Introduction to Nuclear Engineering: Reactor Kinetics

This lecture covers the fundamental concepts of reactor kinetics in nuclear engineering, including reactor reactivity control, point kinetic equations, stable reactor period, delayed and prompt criticality, and reactivity variations. The instructor explains the importance of different mechanisms for neutron slowing down in thermal reactors, the critical condition expression for reactors, and the best moderator materials. The lecture also delves into the effects of reactivity variations, such as short-term, medium-term, and long-term effects, and the control of the chain reaction with delayed neutrons. Various exercises and solutions are provided to deepen the understanding of reactor kinetics and its practical applications.