control rod Part of the control system of a nuclear reactor which directly affects the rate of the reaction takeing place in the reactor. A control rod is usually a rod or tube made of steel or aluminum containing boron, cadmium, or some other strong absorber of neutrons. It can be moved up or down on its axis. Related category ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |