Devices used in nuclear reactors to manage the rate of fission are frequently constructed from neutron-absorbing materials. These elements regulate the chain reaction by absorbing neutrons, thereby decreasing or ceasing the process. They are strategically positioned within the reactor core to effectively influence neutron flux.
The employment of these components is critical for safe and efficient reactor operation. They allow operators to maintain criticality, adjust power output, and, most importantly, rapidly shut down the reactor in emergency situations, preventing potential accidents and maintaining reactor stability. Their development and implementation have been essential to the viability of nuclear energy.