Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

I'm not an expert. My knowledge of nuclear physics is limited to some liquid model theory at university (what is basically the simplest model you can find and completely useless), and some empiric data. I also just met this design. But I do know some general principles.

The Wiki page claims very briefly this is a fast breeder design where it says it uses fast neutrons, also, it doesn't mention moderation, that is the process that converts fast neutrons into slow ones.

Now, the thing that makes slow neutron reactions safer is that nothing happens unless the neutrons goes into the moderation medium, so if things deviate from the design, the reaction stops. Fast neutron reactions do not have this property, so any stability must be designed into it. That does not mean that you can't get some passive stability built into it, what it does mean is that it must be actively put into the project, and you must correctly account for any possible failure mode.

Thus, a good rule of thumb is that if somebody is talking about fast reactors and doesn't take 90% of the time talking about safety, then that somebody does not have a viable idea.



Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: