Because a nuclear explosion in a nuclear power plant is impossible due to the low fuel enrichment, the worst conceivable accident is a severe loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA), leading to a core meltdown. Although the nuclear fission and fusion process would be immediately stopped by a control rod insertion, the radioactive fission products would continue to generate decay heat in the fuel. Thus, a LOCA producing core uncovering could cause the fuel to melt. In the most extreme case, a molten mass would fall to the bottom of the reactor, melting through the reactor pressure vessel and the underlying concrete, and eventually coming to rest about 6.1 m (20 ft) underground. (more…)

Nuclear power plants have many different designs and shapes. Early technology restrictions in nuclear power plants make huge plants with the capability to produce the greatest amount of power possible. But with more recent technology, nuclear plants size are smaller , making them less costly and easier to build. But despite their many technical and engineering differences, nuclear reactors come in two basic types: pressurized water reactor systems and boiling water reactor systems. (more…)