Can New Isotope Methods Improve Neutron Confinement in Nuclear Reactors?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for new isotope methods to improve neutron confinement in nuclear reactors. Participants explore theoretical ideas related to neutron capture, isotope behavior, and speculative concepts regarding magnetic confinement fusion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes capturing emitted neutrons using a selected isotope that could hold onto them long enough to be slowed down, suggesting the use of an electromagnetic field.
  • Another participant points out that neutrons are electrically neutral and cannot be slowed down with an electromagnetic field, questioning the feasibility of the initial proposal.
  • A further comment acknowledges that while neutrons are neutral, the isotope they are bound to may not be, raising doubts about the existence of a suitable element with a useful half-life and decay type.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the original proposal was about confining neutrons, not isotopes, and critiques the speculative nature of the ideas presented, particularly regarding fusion confinement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement on the feasibility of the proposed neutron confinement methods and the use of electromagnetic fields, with some challenging the speculative nature of the discussion. The conversation remains unresolved regarding the validity of the initial ideas.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on the properties of isotopes that could be used for neutron capture and the speculative nature of the proposed mechanisms for confinement and fusion.

andrew848
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I am certainly not qualified to really comment on this subject, but I have been playing around with some ideas on how to confine neutrons to the interior of a nuclear reactor. I was wondering if there was a way to capture a emitted neutron from a reaction with a selected isotope that would be able to hold on to it long enough be slowed down with a EM field. the heavier isotope being centrifuged out then emitting it into a neutron trap in a ultra cold state and hopefully being able to hold it long enough to decay into a proton.
Side note for funsies that's definitely sci fi, wouldn't magnetic confinement fusion benefit from something that caused a disproportionate amount of gravity pulling particles to the center of the reactor and together. stimulating the higgs field? What amount's to a black hole or a neutron star in the shape of a ring?
Again all of this is well beyond me.
 
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andrew848 said:
slowed down with a EM field

Neutrons are electrically neutral, so you can't slow them down with an EM field.
 
PeterDonis said:
Neutrons are electrically neutral, so you can't slow them down with an EM field.
But the isotope its bound to isn't. Not even sure if such a element exists with a useful half life and decay type.
 
andrew848 said:
the isotope its bound to isn't

You weren't talking about confining isotopes, you were talking about confining neutrons.

In any case, PF is not for personal speculations. Please review the PF rules. I won't even comment about your speculation about fusion confinement.

Thread closed.
 
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