Fast Reactors and Fast Breeder Reactors

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In summary, fast reactors and fast breeder reactors are advanced nuclear reactors that utilize fast-moving neutrons to create energy through fission reactions. Unlike traditional nuclear reactors, these reactors use a liquid metal as a coolant, allowing for higher temperatures and more efficient energy production. Fast breeder reactors have the added capability of producing more fuel than they consume, making them a potentially sustainable energy source for the future. However, their development and implementation have faced challenges due to safety concerns and high costs. Overall, fast reactors and fast breeder reactors hold promise for providing clean and abundant energy, but further advancements and research are needed to overcome current limitations.
  • #1
atomicpedals
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Hello,

Can anyone recommend some resources for learning about the historical development of FBR's or on FBR R&D from a broad perspective? I've pulled down a number of journal articles but I'd like something more general to help be keep a sense of perspective.

I have found some (for example http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-do-fast-breeder-react), but suggestions from others are often more useful than a google search.

Thanks for any suggestions!
 
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  • #2
Ok, I found a couple along the lines of what I'm looking for:

C.P. Zaleski. "Overview of future and development of fast neutron reactors." Energy, 23,7, 571, 1998.

M. Simnad. "Overview of fast breeder reactors." Energy, 23, 7, 523, 1998.
 
  • #3
There are IAEA TECDOCS on fast reactors.

Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactors (an old Bulletin article)
http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Magazines/Bulletin/Bull206/20604782938.pdf

http://www.princeton.edu/sgs/publications/sgs/archive/17-1-Schneider-FBR-France.pdfhttp://www.ati.ac.at/fileadmin/files/research_areas/ssnm/nmkt/11_LMFBR.pdf
 
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  • #4
atomicpedals said:
Hello,

Can anyone recommend some resources for learning about the historical development of FBR's or on FBR R&D from a broad perspective? I've pulled down a number of journal articles but I'd like something more general to help be keep a sense of perspective.

I have found some (for example http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-do-fast-breeder-react), but suggestions from others are often more useful than a google search.

Thanks for any suggestions!

If you have some fundamentals in nuclear engineering, I recommend a book THERMAL ANALYSIS OF LIQUID METAL FAST BREEDER REACTOR.
And there are some materials in IAEA fast reactor database, such as Russian BN-XXs, French Phoenix and Super Phoenix, American EBR-II ect.
 
  • #5
Update - just adding some references on fast reactors since the topic comes up periodically.

http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Current-and-Future-Generation/Fast-Neutron-Reactors/

Support for Innovative Fast Reactor Technology Development and Deployment
http://www.iaea.org/NuclearPower/FR/

http://www.iaea.org/NuclearPower/Meetings/2013/2013-03-04-03-07-CF-NPTD.html

Design Features and Operating Experience of Experimental Fast Reactors (2013)
http://www-pub.iaea.org/books/IAEAB...ting-Experience-of-Experimental-Fast-Reactors

Status of Fast Reactor Research and Technology Development (2013)
http://www-pub.iaea.org/books/IAEAB...t-Reactor-Research-and-Technology-Development

http://www.iaea.org/NuclearPower/Downloadable/FR/booklet-fr-2013.pdf

STATUS OF FAST REACTOR RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
http://www.iaea.org/NuclearPower/Downloadable/FR/tecdoc-1691-status-of-fr-research-published.pdfStatus and Trends of Nuclear Fuels Technology for Sodium Cooled Fast Reactors (2011)
http://www-pub.iaea.org/books/IAEAB...ls-Technology-for-Sodium-Cooled-Fast-Reactors

Fast Reactor Database 2006 Update
http://www-pub.iaea.org/books/IAEABooks/7581/Fast-Reactor-Database-2006-Updatehttp://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Publications/PDF/P1567_web.pdf

http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/te_1083_prn.pdf (1999)
(Chapter 4 LMFR Physics)Structural Materials for Liquid Metal Cooled Fast Reactor Fuel Assemblies-Operational Behaviour
http://www-pub.iaea.org/books/IAEAB...Reactor-Fuel-Assemblies-Operational-Behaviour
 

FAQ: Fast Reactors and Fast Breeder Reactors

1. What is a Fast Reactor?

A Fast Reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that uses fast neutrons to sustain the fission chain reaction. Unlike traditional nuclear reactors, which use thermal neutrons, fast reactors use high-energy fast neutrons to split atoms and produce energy.

2. How do Fast Reactors work?

Fast reactors use a coolant, typically liquid sodium, to transfer heat from the reactor core to a steam generator. The heat is then used to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. Fast reactors also use a fuel cycle that allows for the breeding of new fuel, meaning they can produce more fuel than they consume.

3. What is a Fast Breeder Reactor?

A Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) is a type of fast reactor that is designed to produce more fuel than it consumes. FBRs use a special type of fuel, such as plutonium or uranium-233, that can undergo fission with fast neutrons. This allows for the breeding of new fuel, making FBRs a potentially sustainable energy source.

4. What are the advantages of Fast Reactors and Fast Breeder Reactors?

Fast reactors and fast breeder reactors have several advantages over traditional thermal reactors. They have a higher fuel efficiency, meaning they can produce more energy with less fuel. They also have a smaller nuclear waste footprint, as they can use spent nuclear fuel from other reactors as fuel. Additionally, fast reactors have a higher safety margin due to their ability to shut down automatically in the event of a power failure.

5. What are the challenges facing Fast Reactors and Fast Breeder Reactors?

Although fast reactors and fast breeder reactors have many benefits, there are still challenges that need to be overcome. One major challenge is the management of nuclear waste, as fast reactors can produce long-lived radioactive isotopes. There are also concerns about the safety and proliferation risks associated with the use of fast breeder reactors. Additionally, the development and deployment of fast reactors is a complex and expensive process, which may hinder their widespread adoption.

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