Asymptotic analysis of a stochastic non-linear nuclear reactor model

The asymptotic behaviour of a stochastic non-linear nuclear reactor modelled by a master equation is analysed in two different limits: the thermodynamic limit and the zero-neutron-source limit. In the first limit a finite steady neutron density is obtained. The second limit predicts the neutron extinction. The interplay between these two limits is studied for different situations. (author)