The maximum achievable tritium breeding rate for a fusion engine, utilizing Lithium-6 and Lithium-7 alongside neutron multipliers like lead and beryllium, is theoretically capped at around 2. Current estimates indicate that ITER achieves a breeding ratio of approximately 1.6 using beryllium. The limitations arise from the energy levels of emitted neutrons at 14 MeV, which restrict neutron multiplication due to lower energy outputs. Advanced concepts such as combined fusion/fission reactors and exotic blankets may enhance breeding rates, but they introduce complexities such as radioactive waste management.
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LOLmfb said:Neutron multiplication is always limited - otherwise you would have a nuclear weapon.
Sebastiaan said:Another source entirely I heard the figure 6, but this sounds hard to believe.
I believe Sebastiaan is referring to a breeding ratio, i.e., for one T consumed, one would obtain 6 T, ostensibly from some spallation reactions with neutrons of an initial energy of 14 MeV. There are a number of (n, 2n) reactions and possibly (n,3n) reactions, but they have high energy thresholds. Then each neutron has to be absorbed in something that produces an (n, t) reaction. Alternatively, if one can use some (n, n't) or (n, n'nt) reactions, it might be feasible, but that might require an exotic blanket.ChrisVer said:what is that figure?