8 ms·
The uranium has to be in a small volume for the chain reaction to work.
by tlb 4y ago
The uranium has to be in a small volume for the chain reaction to work.
- pfdietz 4y agoThat doesn't mean the power density has to be high.
- tlb 4y agoIt has to be high within the core. I suppose you could add some empty space nearby
- pfdietz 4y agoNo, it does not have to be high within the core. A reactor can be operated at a low power level. This is not like a fire that goes out if the flame is too weak.
- tlb 4y agoThe problem with that is that cores are very expensive. They require 100s of kgs of enriched uranium. If you run them at half power, you need twice as many and your cost goes up dramatically.
- pfdietz 4y agoThe uranium lasts twice as long, though. So aside from interest costs it's a wash, at least for fuel costs. You are right that the reactor structure costs more. Which is the point I've been trying to make.