CANDU Reactor contains 70 kf og fissionable material

  • Thread starter Thread starter JohnTralp
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Material Reactor
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the fraction of 70 kg of fissionable Uranium in a CANDU reactor that will undergo fission over a 550-day fuel installation period. The initial calculation of 1.204 x 10^22 fissions/s leads to an erroneous conclusion of 3219.66% fissioned material, indicating a miscalculation in the fission rate. The correct interpretation of the fission rate and energy output is crucial for accurate assessments in nuclear physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear fission processes
  • Familiarity with CANDU reactor design and operation
  • Basic knowledge of energy calculations in nuclear reactions
  • Proficiency in scientific notation and unit conversions
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of nuclear fission and energy release per fission event
  • Study the operational parameters of CANDU reactors and their fuel cycles
  • Learn about the implications of fission rates on reactor safety and efficiency
  • Explore advanced calculations involving fission yield and mass-energy equivalence
USEFUL FOR

Nuclear engineers, physics students, and professionals involved in reactor design and safety assessments will benefit from this discussion.

JohnTralp
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement





Homework Equations



Working at a rate of 1.204 x 10^22 fissions/s, what fraction of that 70 kg mass of Uranium will be fissioned during the 550 days of fuel installation? (Fuel rods are replaced appx. every year and a half)

The Attempt at a Solution



1.20x10^22 fissions/s = 1.0368 fissions/day

550 days = 5.7x10^29 fissions

5.7x10^29 fissions = 225376210.5 grams

225376210.5 grams / 70 000 grams = 3219.66%. Which is incorrect.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
The initial value of 1.2x10^22 fissions/s can't be right. At ~ 200MeV/fission, this is about 400 GW.