A visual explanation of why Chernobyl's RBMK reactor exploded with meticulously modelled 3d animation without going overboard on reactor physics. This was the worst case example of nuclear power going awry.

Explained are:
The role of the AZ-5 emergency shutdown button The end effect design flaw
Xenon poisoning
The actions of Anatoly Dyatlov.
Graphite moderator.

The reactor lid "Elena" or upper biological shield is shown being thrown by the explosion.

The main systems are explained, reactor, coolant circulation pumps, steam separators and turbine generators.

The control room is visualized and location of the AZ-5 button is shown.

The explosion scene has been simulated and recreated. There is no footage so it's my best guess of what the explosion looked like.

0:00 Intro
1:18 Systems
2:13 Graphite
3:12 Control rods
3:56 Design flaw
4:28 The test
5:42 Xenon
6:32 AZ-5 button
8:44 Explosion
9:43 Accountability
11:01 Safer reactors

Music by Borrtex:
Process, Light, Fog in the street, We are saved, Universe, Wondering, Light.

Software:
Blender 2.83
Hardware:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 S

#Chernobyl #RBMK #AZ-5 #documentary #explosion #blender #nucler power