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Fission Moderators

Moderators are specialized blocks placed within a Fission Reactor to control and amplify the nuclear reaction. They are essential for maximizing energy efficiency and increasing the reactor's throughput.

⚡ Core Functions

1. Energy (EU) Boost

Moderators improve the efficiency of the heat-to-energy conversion. - Effect: Each active moderator adds a percentage bonus to the total EU/t generated. - Limit: The total EU boost is typically capped at a maximum percentage (e.g., +200%) defined in the reactor's config.

2. Fuel Discount

Moderators slow down the rate at which fuel rods are consumed. - Effect: Reduces the "duration ticks" of recipes, making fuel rods last longer. - Benefit: Essential for economic reactor operation, especially when using expensive late-game fuels.

3. Parallel Processing

In many reactor configurations, moderators provide a "Parallel Bonus." - Effect: Increases the number of recipes the reactor can process simultaneously. - Scale: The more high-tier moderators you have, the more "Virtual Rods" the reactor simulates.

🛠️ Common Moderator Materials

  • Graphite: The entry-level moderator. Provides a decent EU boost with low cooling requirements.
  • Beryllium: A high-performance moderator that offers a significant fuel discount but increases the reactor's base heat production.
  • Heavy Water (Liquid): Used in specialized "CANDU" style reactor designs for extreme fuel efficiency.

💡 Engineering Tips

  • Stability: While moderators provide massive bonuses, they often increase the "Neutron Instability" of the reactor. Ensure your cooling system can handle the extra heat spikes.
  • Placement: Moderators are most effective when placed in a structured pattern around fuel rods to maximize their interaction with the neutron flux.
  • Primary Moderator: The reactor identifies the most common moderator type as the "Primary Moderator," which dictates the overall efficiency curve of the reaction.