How Does an RBMK Reactor Explode?
Did the final episode of the Chernobyl HBO series leave you hungry for a more detailed explanation? Are you interested in the nuclear physics behind the disaster? MIT offers a detailed lecture on the topic including the science behind the human impact and tissue damage. If you are interested but feel a bit lost the rest of the MIT 22.01 OpenCourseWare playlist is worth watching.
The linked MIT lecture occurs mid-course and assumes some knowledge about nuclear reactors. There is another source with fewer assumptions which may be easier for many to digest. This more graphical presentation on the matter is by an Ohio State University PhD and nuclear engineer at GE. The presentation was recorded and edited into a very high quality video lecture:
Watch: What Technically Happened at Chernobyl :: Ethan Chaleff, PhD :: 0h50m
Do you feel inspired to own and operate an RBMK-1000 power plant in your own backyard? Want to try recreating the famous accident in the safety of a virtual world? Curious what last minute steps might have avoided distaster? If so you might enjoy the RBMK-1000 reactor simulator:
Try: RBMK-1000 Reactor Simulator
If you’re feeling lost in your new reactor the following operator’s guide will help you with getting started: