How do I simulate a neutron source?

Open this page and use the live Fission Chain Reaction tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.

Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.

Can I use my own numbers?

Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a neutron source from your own measurements.

Use case · powered by Fission Chain Reaction

Fission Chain Reaction for a neutron source

Simulate a neutron source live in your browser. This runs the real Fission Chain Reaction solver — adjust the inputs, watch it respond instantly, and export the result. No install, no account.

For:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers K-12 Students First Responders

Fission Chain ReactionLive

the multiplication factor k

Controls

Speed1×

Presets

Multiplication factor k

Each fission releases neutrons that can trigger more fissions. The multiplication factor k is how many of those neutrons cause a new fission on average. Below 1 the chain dies out; exactly 1 sustains steady power — a running reactor; above 1 it grows exponentially. Control rods nudge k around 1 to hold a reactor critical.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

k factor1.000

Generation0

Statecritical (steady)

Governing equation

n_{i + 1} = k n_{i}, k = 1.000

Reading this result: k is essentially 1: on average one neutron per fission triggers the next, a self-sustaining steady chain — a running reactor.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

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About this simulation

The full Fission Chain Reaction tool models a neutron source with the same numerics engineers and scientists use — running entirely client-side. Change any parameter and the result updates in real time, so you can build intuition, check a design, or teach the concept without spreadsheets or installs.

More you can do with Fission Chain Reaction

Fission Chain Reaction for a reactor core Fission Chain Reaction for a radiation shield Fission Chain Reaction for a fuel rod Fission Chain Reaction for a Geiger counter Fission Chain Reaction for a nuclear decay Fission Chain Reaction for a PET scan Fission Chain Reaction for an X-ray dose Fission Chain Reaction for a fusion plasma

Other ways to simulate a neutron source

Nuclear Binding Energy for a neutron source Fusion (Lawson) for a neutron source Radiometric Dating for a neutron source Radiation Shielding for a neutron source Radiation Dose for a neutron source Reactor Kinetics for a neutron source

Frequently asked questions

How do I simulate a neutron source?: Open this page and use the live Fission Chain Reaction tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.
Is it free?: Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.
Can I use my own numbers?: Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a neutron source from your own measurements.