Critical Size

The critical size is the minimum size of a nuclear reactor core or nuclear weapon that can be made for a specific geometrical arrangement and material composition. The critical size must at least include enough fissionable material to reach critical mass. If the size of the fissionable material is less than a certain minimum, fission neutrons escape through its surface and the chain reaction is not sustained.


Famous quotes containing the words critical and/or size:

    The critical method which denies literary modernity would appear—and even, in certain respects, would be—the most modern of critical movements.
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    O hideous little bat, the size of snot,
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