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Critical Mass (software Engineering)
Critical mass is the amount of fissile material needed to sustain nuclear fission. Critical mass may also refer to: Science and technology * Critical mass (sociodynamics), a stage in social-system innovation Organizations and social gatherings * Critical Mass (cycling), a form of direct action or celebratory gathering involving large groups of bicycle riders * Critical Mass (pressure group), a UK political pressure group * Critical Mass Energy Project, an anti-nuclear umbrella group founded by Ralph Nader ** ''Critical Mass Journal'', published in 1977 by the Critical Mass Energy Project * Critical Mass, a co-working center sponsored by the New England Venture Capital Association * Critical Mass, a robotics team of the Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, New Jersey Literature * Critical Mass (Arthur C. Clarke short story), "Critical Mass" (Arthur C. Clarke short story), 1949 * Critical Mass (Pohl and Kornbluth short story), "Critical Mass" (Pohl and Kornbluth short story), by ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Critical Mass
In nuclear engineering, critical mass is the minimum mass of the fissile material needed for a sustained nuclear chain reaction in a particular setup. The critical mass of a fissionable material depends upon its nuclear properties (specifically, its nuclear fission cross-section), density, shape, enrichment, purity, temperature, and surroundings. It is an important parameter of a nuclear reactor core or nuclear weapon. The concept is important in nuclear weapon design. Critical size is the minimum size of the fissile material needed for a sustained nuclear chain reaction in a particular setup. If the size of the reactor core is less than a certain minimum, too many fission neutrons escape through its surface and the chain reaction is not sustained. Criticality When a nuclear chain reaction in a mass of fissile material is self-sustaining but not growing, the mass is said to be in a critical state, in which there is no increase or decrease in power, temperature, or ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
