GB900056A - Nuclear battery and reactor - Google Patents

Abstract

900,056. Utilizing energy of radiations; nuclear reactors; discharge apparatus. SAFONOV, G. M. July 30, 1959 [Sept. 4, 1958], No. 26174/59. Classes 39 (1) and 39 (4). Means for producing electrical energy from the fission of heavy nuclei comprises means for producing fission, means for collecting fission fragments, and field means for preventing electrons from reaching the collecting means. In one arrangement, Fig. 1 (not shown), a cathode coated with uranium, a grid, and an anode are arranged in an evacuated container which is subjected to neutron bombardment to cause fission of the uranium, the fission products being collected by the anode and electrons being repelled by the negatively charged grid. In a modification, Fig. 2 (not shown), the grid is omitted and a magnetic field is provided to deflect electrons away from the anode. In another arrangement, Fig. 5, uranium hexafluoride is circulated through a cylindrical chamber 42 provided with two electrodes 48, 50 and surrounded by a coil. A discharge is established between the electrodes to ionise the gas which is concentrated near the axis by the magnetic field produced by the coil. The chamber is irradiated with neutrons to cause fission in the uranium; a grid 60 prevents electrons reaching the wall of the chamber, and an electrical output is taken between the wall of the chamber and electrode 50. In Fig. 6, a plurality of plates 112 coated on each side with fissile material alternate with collector plates 110, grids being disposed between each pair of plates 110, 112. The assembly is sufficiently large to form a self-sustaining reactor, so that no external neutron source is necessary, and is surrounded by graphite reflectors 120, 124 and a moderator space 122 containing deuterium.