U233 immediate fission products ?

[Anuj06]

Hi, what are the immediate fission products of U233 ? Is the first fission reaction of U233 same as U235 producing Ba and Kr but just different isotopes than U235 ? I would appreciate any help.

Thanks

 

[Astronuc]

Hi, what are the immediate fission products of U233 ? Is the first fission reaction of U233 same as U235 producing Ba and Kr but just different isotopes than U235 ? I would appreciate any help.

Thanks

The fission product elements are much the same, however, one starts with 2 fewer neutrons.

U-235 + n => U-236* => f.p. + 2 or 3 n

U-233 + n => U-234* => f.p. + 2 or 3 n

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v161/n4092/pdf/161520a0.pdf

https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=2546513&postcount=9

 

[Anuj06]

Thank you ! But, then a small question, is U233 chain reaction self sustainable since it release fewer neutrons ?

 

[Astronuc]

One would be interested in

η = reproduction factor = number of neutrons produced per neutron absorbed in fuel
> 2 implies breeding is possible

ν (nu) = number of neutrons produced per fission

Isotope  Thermal η   Fast η
  U-235      2.07        2.30
  Pu-239     2.11        2.70
  U-233      2.30        2.45

Ref: http://www.if.uidaho.edu/~gunner/ME443-543/LectureNotes/LMFBR.pdf

http://energyfromthorium.com/2006/07/29/wash-1097-appendix-a-reactor-physics/
It's probably better to obtain a copy of WASH-1097.

One can also construct a tighter (hex or triangular) lattice similar to that of a VVER-1000. Or one could use a CANDU (deuterium moderated) system, or a graphite moderated system using SiC/C clad fuel. Flouride salt is another possibility.

And one can minimize the parastic absorption of neutrons by exclusing Ni-based alloys from the reactor internals, to the extent possible.

This might be of interest.
http://www.osti.gov/bridge/servlets/purl/4505731-QrJfWh/4505731.pdf

 

[wizwom]

http://energyfromthorium.com/ has a java application which can let you compare the fission product spectrum from different nuclear fuels.