Controlling Nuclear Fission Geometry

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the predictability of the direction of fission products resulting from the nuclear fission of Uranium-235 when subjected to neutron irradiation. Participants explore whether this can be determined theoretically, through simulation, or if it is inherently random.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the randomness of fission product directions, suggesting that factors such as the direction of the incoming neutron and the properties of Uranium-235 (specifically its odd number of nucleons and spin) could influence the outcome.
  • Another participant asserts that fission products will go randomly in any possible direction, implying a lack of predictability.
  • A further argument is made regarding the potential influence of centrifugal force on the direction of fission products, proposing that they might preferentially move along the equator of the U-235 nucleus.
  • One participant clarifies that while there may be some dependence on spin direction, the uncontrollable nature of that spin direction means it does not affect the overall randomness of the fission product directions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the predictability of fission product directions, with no consensus reached. Some argue for potential influences on directionality, while others maintain that the outcomes are random.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of the factors involved, including the symmetry of the system and the nature of spin, but do not resolve the implications of these factors on predictability.

nadirkazan
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Hi everyone,
I'm an engineer and not a physicist, so forgive me if something sounds stupid.

Question: Is it possible to know, which way products of nuclear fission (u-235) will go?

Imagine a sheet of single (or few) atom layer crystal of U-235, that is irradiated by neutron source from the edge. Is it possible to predict where fission products will go?

Is it better done experimentally or can be done theoretically or through simulation?
 
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No, they will go randomly in any possible direction
 
Why? There are at least 2 factors that are not centrally symmetrical.
One is the direction of the incoming neutron. And the other... Uranium 235 has odd number of nucleons, so it has to be a fermion. In fact, the spin happens to be 7/2... so even if the neutron happens to have opposite spin (which it would not always have) the result would be at least spin 3.

Wouldn´t the centrifugal force favour the fission products going somewhere along the equator of the U-235 nucleus rather than towards its poles?
 
Spin is not a rotation.
There might be some dependence on the spin direction, but as you don't control that spin direction, this does not change the result.
 

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