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Naval reactors tend to use HEU. AIUI the mostly tightly held secrets are around the acoustics - acoustic signature, propeller design, that sort of thing. A su
by caf 5y ago
Naval reactors tend to use HEU.
AIUI the mostly tightly held secrets are around the acoustics - acoustic signature, propeller design, that sort of thing. A sub relies on being hidden to carry out its mission, so anything that helps an opponent to find your subs has to be well guarded.
- javajosh 5y agoInteresting. I would have assumed a totally sealed Pu module, since it's a nice steady source of heat that lasts 80 years and as long the container doesn't rupture it's pretty safe. As opposed to HEU which AFAIK always requires moving parts to slow or stop the neutron cascade.
- caf 5y agoIf you're talking about a Pu238 natural decay type device, like RTGs use, then at the level of power output you'd need to be able to supply propulsion the fact that you can't control the reaction rate would be a distinct negative, not a positive. Naval reactors are basically a miniaturised version of a power station reactor. Some of the latest HEU ones are designed for the fuel to last for the life of the boat.