Nuclear Reactor

	Data is potentially outdated
	Last updated for version 0.10.5.1 Last mentioned in changelog 1.1.18.0 The current game version is 1.4.4.1

Nuclear Reactor
Statistics*
Item Slots	4 Fuel Rod slots
Technical Identifier {{{identifier}}} Categories Machines

The nuclear reactor is the most crucial installation found in Barotrauma. It acts as the submarine's main power source for all installations.

Function

The nuclear reactor's function is to generate power for other installations on the submarine. As long as the reactor is active, every other connected device on the ship will remain active as well. Power generated by the reactor is sent to other installations via wiring. Power distribution requires Junction Boxes to work, as the reactor cannot send power to other installations directly. Maintaining the power network is one of the most important aspects of a round, as the submarine cannot function without power.

The nuclear reactor undergoes a process called nuclear fission, in which atoms are split apart, cause large amounts of energy to be released. The rate at which these reactions take place is measured by the fission rate. The resulting reaction also causes heat to be released that raises the overall temperature of the reactor. If the temperature raises past 6,000 degrees for too long, the reactor will catch on Fire. If the temperature stays over 6000 degrees for too long, it will meltdown, creating a massive radioactive explosion. It is possible to fix the submarine and reactor after a meltdown, but it is difficult due to radiation and lack of power and, often, walls. Because of this, the cooling and fission rates must be adjusted to keep the temperature at a desired level - which is usually the same as the amount of power consumed by the electrical grid of the submarine.

Fuel Rods are required for the nuclear reactor to function. The reactor can hold up to four rods. They will be slowly consumed at a rate proportionate to the Fission Rate. Fuel Rods can be removed and replaced at any time.

If the reactor is in water, it will take damage over time, down to 10% condition.

Even when not in water, a reactor will slowly deteriorate over time, requiring maintenance. A reactor will not deteriorate below 10% condition.

If the reactor reaches 0% condition, it will instantly meltdown.

Usage

The nuclear reactor's control panel.

When a reactor is selected, a control panel opens up. The panel displays two gauges, a bar graph, and a line graph. They represent the fission rate, turbine output, temperature, and reactor load/output respectively.

In this control panel, players can manually set the fission rate and turbine output of the reactor or toggle automatic control.

Manual Control

Under manual control, the Fission and Turbine are controlled manually. A player should be stationed near the reactor to adjust the fission and turbine appropriately for the ship's fluctuating power requirements. Manual control can respond to power fluctuations faster than Automatic mode, but requires player attention.

1. Start the reactor using the button on the top-right labelled "Power". The light next to the button should glow.
2. Ensure automatic control is off. The light next to the switch should be off.
3. The sliders beneath Turbine Output and Fission Rate are now grabbable.

Automatic Control

Automatic Control controls the Fission and Turbine automatically. It reacts to changes in load slower than a human can, but requires little player attention.

1. Start the reactor using the button on the top-right labelled "Power". The light next to the button should glow.
2. Turn on automatic control using the switch on the top-right labelled "Automatic Control". The light next to the switch should be on.
3. The reactor will slowly adjust Turbine Output towards the load and Fission Rate towards the middle temperature (5000).

Wire Control

Wire control controls the Fission and Turbine remotely through Wiring Components. Wire control overrides both Automatic and Manual controls. It can also be used to warn about overheating, meltdowns, and used to remotely shut down the reactor.

Fuel Rods

Fuel Rod Type	Durability	Heating Power	Mechanical Skill to Craft	Crafting Materials	Crafting Time	Store Price
Uranium Fuel Rod	100	80	25	Uranium Lead Steel Bar	10	135-150 Marks
Thorium Fuel Rod	200	100	60	Thorium Lead Steel Bar	10	225 Marks
Fulgurium Fuel Rod	150	150	40	Fulgurium Bar Lead Steel Bar	10	Not purchasable

Meltdown

When a reactor reaches 0% condition, it will meltdown, generating a large radioactive explosion. Any fuel rods in the reactor will be completely exhausted.

Item	Afflictions on Hit	Structure Damage	Kinetic Force	Explosion Radius (m)
Meltdown	Burn : 200 Deep Tissue Injury : 50 Radiation Sickness : 50 Stun : 5	100	5.0	8.0
Meltdown	Burn : 200 Deep Tissue Injury : 80 Radiation Sickness : 80 Stun : 5	100	5.0	20.0

Connection Panel

Connection Panel for Nuclear Reactor Hover over pins to see their descriptions.
Shutdown Set_Fissionrate Set_Turbineout When it receives any signal, fission rate and turbine output are set to 0, and reactor is turned off. Sets fission rate to a fixed percentage (0-100) Sets turbine output to a fixed percentage (0-100) Power_Out Temperature_Out Meltdown_Warning Power_Value_Out Load_Value_Out Fuel_Out Power output of the reactor. Sends out the reactor's current temperature (0-10000). Sends a signal of 1 when reactor is high temp (>6000). Sends the current power level as a number (supplied power). Sends the current load level as a number (required power). Sends out the current fuel level as a number (see Fuel Rods).
Requires: Screwdriver

Default Submarine Max Power Output

Submarine	Max Output
Azimuth	10,000
Berilia	6,500
Dugong	2,700
Humpback	2800
Kastrull	10,000
Orca	3,500
R-29	5,200
Remora	5,000
Typhon	5,000
Typhon 2	5,000

Audio

• Reactor active ambience

• Reactor overheat alarm

Gallery

• 

  A Nuclear Reactor during a meltdown.

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  A Nuclear Reactor on fire.

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  A Nuclear Reactor used in outposts.