- #1
BrianConlee
- 65
- 0
If we bombard a gas or plasma of Deuterium with Neutrons will they "stick" and from Tritium?
Deuterium bombarded with Neutrons from tritium?
In summary, bombarding a gas or plasma of deuterium with neutrons to form tritium is not very likely, as most neutrons will be lost by other paths. The absorption cross section for thermal neutrons is .52 millibarns. However, increasing the density of the deuterium target can increase the chances of neutrons hitting and sticking to a nucleus, though this would require using liquid deuterium with a much lower boiling point.
- #2
mathman
Science Advisor
- 8,140
- 572
Not too likely. Heavy water reactors use the fact that the probability of this reaction is 0.
- #3
RocketSci5KN
- 162
- 4
Some will, but you need lots of neutrons (thermalized)... The vast majority will be lost by other paths, which is why the CANDU reactors use D2O as a moderator.
Deuterium's absorption cross section for thermal neutrons is .52 millibarns
from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_water
Deuterium's absorption cross section for thermal neutrons is .52 millibarns
from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_water
- #4
Bob S
- 4,662
- 7
Here is a plot of the high energy deuterium (neutron,gamma) tritium cross section from the "Barn Book" series data sets at
http://www.nndc.bnl.gov/atlas/.
Looks like about 10 to 20 microbarns high energy neutron capture cross section at 14.1 MeV neutron energy from D-T reaction.
Bob S
http://www.nndc.bnl.gov/atlas/.
Looks like about 10 to 20 microbarns high energy neutron capture cross section at 14.1 MeV neutron energy from D-T reaction.
Bob S
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- #5
BrianConlee
- 65
- 0
I see.
It appears our target it just to small, making the probability infinitesimal.
I understand why the tritium breeding methods using lithium 6 and 7 is preferred now.
Let's add another factor into the mix. This may not be researched, but it may require you to "best guess" or hypothesize as we say.
What if we increased the density of our Deuterium target from standard atmosphere 10 fold. Now there's less space between the nuclei of the different atoms.
Does that increase the chances somewhat?
Take it another order of magnitude even. If we could somehow increase density 100 fold, that would surely give more of a target for the neutrons to hit... less empty space. At least somewhat.
Thoughts?
It appears our target it just to small, making the probability infinitesimal.
I understand why the tritium breeding methods using lithium 6 and 7 is preferred now.
Let's add another factor into the mix. This may not be researched, but it may require you to "best guess" or hypothesize as we say.
What if we increased the density of our Deuterium target from standard atmosphere 10 fold. Now there's less space between the nuclei of the different atoms.
Does that increase the chances somewhat?
Take it another order of magnitude even. If we could somehow increase density 100 fold, that would surely give more of a target for the neutrons to hit... less empty space. At least somewhat.
Thoughts?
- #6
Bob S
- 4,662
- 7
If you substitute liquid deuterium (density 162 mg/cm3) for gasseus deuterium at 1 atm (0.168 mg/cm3), you can increase the concentration of deuterium by a factor of about 960:1. However, the boiling point of liquid deuterium is about 23 kelvin.BrianConlee said:
Bob S
- #7
BrianConlee
- 65
- 0
so with that higher density, does it increase the chances the neutron would hit and stick to a nucleus?
- #8
Bob S
- 4,662
- 7
Yes.BrianConlee said:
Bob S
1. What is a deuterium bombarded with neutrons from tritium?
A deuterium bombarded with neutrons from tritium is a nuclear reaction in which a deuterium atom, also known as heavy hydrogen, is bombarded with neutrons from tritium, another isotope of hydrogen. This reaction results in the formation of a helium atom, releasing a large amount of energy in the process.
2. How does this reaction occur?
This reaction occurs when a deuterium atom and a tritium atom collide at high speeds, causing their nuclei to fuse together. This fusion process releases a burst of energy, similar to the process that powers the sun and other stars.
3. What are the potential applications of this reaction?
This reaction has potential applications in nuclear power generation and weapons development. By harnessing the energy released from this reaction, it could provide a virtually unlimited source of clean energy. However, the technology and infrastructure needed to control and sustain such reactions are still in the early stages of development.
4. Is this reaction safe?
The reaction itself is relatively safe, as it only produces helium and energy. However, the process of controlling and sustaining the reaction can be dangerous and requires advanced safety measures and protocols. Additionally, the radioactive materials used in this reaction can pose health and environmental risks if not handled properly.
5. What are the challenges associated with this type of reaction?
The main challenge associated with this reaction is the high temperatures and pressures required to initiate and sustain the fusion process. Scientists are still working on developing technologies that can effectively control and contain these extreme conditions. Additionally, the cost and feasibility of building and maintaining facilities for this type of reaction are also major challenges that need to be addressed.
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