The discussion revolves around the utilization of Thorium in fast reactors, specifically focusing on the variability of the doubling time for breeding, which is noted to range from 20 to 80 years. Participants explore the factors influencing this range, particularly the absorption cross-section as a function of neutron energy.
The discussion does not reach a consensus, as participants express varying levels of inquiry and information needs without resolving the initial question about the doubling time for Thorium breeding.
The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the specific factors that influence the doubling time, including the dependence on neutron energy and absorption cross-sections, which are not fully resolved.
It's a matter of the magnitude of absorption cross-section as a function of energy. The lower the absorption cross-section, the longer is takes for a given mass/number of fertile nuclei to absorb neutrons, which then initiates the decay process to something hopefully more fissionable. Thermal and epithermal systems have a population of neutrons in the resonance absorption range (1 eV to 3 keV) where the absorption cross-sections can be two or three orders of magnitude greater than those in the MeV range. The thermal energy range below 1 eV has an increasing magnitude as neutron energy decreases.Ahmed Shaker said:I have done some reading on the utilization of Thorium in fast reactors, but the doubling time for breeding ranges from 20 to 80 years, is there any solid material on the subject? Just curious.
Not really, just wanted some broad information. But I have all that I need now.QuantumPion said:Do you have a specific question?