Molten fuel nuclear reactor with neutron reflecting coolant
摘要
說(shuō)明書(shū)
Additionally, or alternatively, another dynamically adjustable reflection characteristic is neutron moderation, an inelastic scattering of neutrons as they collide with moderator nuclei. Colliding neutrons are scattered at a lower energy than that with which they arrived (e.g., a fast spectrum neutron scatters as a thermal spectrum neutron) and with a different direction. In this manner, a high percentage of fast spectrum neutrons can be reflected back into the reactor core section 106 as thermal neutrons, where they can collide with fissile nuclear material and result in a fission reaction. Accordingly, neutron moderator material in the neutron reflector assembly 110 can enhance the burn-up operation of a breed-and-burn fast reactor.
Additionally or alternatively, another dynamically adjustable reflection characteristic is neutron absorption, also known as neutron capture: a nuclear reaction in which an atomic nucleus and one or more neutrons collide and merge to form a heavier nucleus. Absorbed neutrons are not scattered but remain part of the merged nuclei unless released at a later time, such as part of a beta particle. Neutron absorption provides the reflectivity characteristic of zero or minimal reflection. In this manner, fast and thermal neutrons emanating from the reactor core may be prevented from scattering back into the reactor core section 106 to collide with fissile or fertile material. Accordingly, neutron absorbing material in the neutron reflector assembly 110 can diminish the breed operation and burn operation of a breed-and-burn fast reactor.
