The discussion centers on the utilization of Thorium in fast reactors, specifically addressing the breeding doubling time, which ranges from 20 to 80 years. Key factors influencing this time include the absorption cross-section of Thorium as a function of neutron energy. Lower absorption cross-sections result in longer doubling times due to the reduced likelihood of fertile nuclei absorbing neutrons. Resources such as the NNDC cross-section database and the IAEA publication on the Thorium fuel cycle provide valuable insights into these dynamics.
PREREQUISITESNuclear engineers, researchers in reactor physics, and anyone interested in the advancements of Thorium fuel cycles in fast reactors.
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?