WO2001039204A2 - Shaped core cavitation nuclear reactor - Google Patents

Shaped core cavitation nuclear reactor Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001039204A2
WO2001039204A2 PCT/US2000/032091 US0032091W WO0139204A2 WO 2001039204 A2 WO2001039204 A2 WO 2001039204A2 US 0032091 W US0032091 W US 0032091W WO 0139204 A2 WO0139204 A2 WO 0139204A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
reactor
driver assembly
nuclear reactor
acoustic driver
reactor system
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/032091
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French (fr)
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WO2001039204A3 (en
Inventor
Ross Tessien
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Impulse Devices, Inc.
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Publication date
Application filed by Impulse Devices, Inc. filed Critical Impulse Devices, Inc.
Priority to AU30732/01A priority Critical patent/AU3073201A/en
Publication of WO2001039204A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001039204A2/en
Publication of WO2001039204A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001039204A3/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
    • G21C1/00—Reactor types
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21B—FUSION REACTORS
    • G21B1/00—Thermonuclear fusion reactors
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
    • Y02E30/10—Nuclear fusion reactors
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
    • Y02E30/30—Nuclear fission reactors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to nuclear reactions and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for an acoustically driven shaped nuclear cavitation reactor.
  • Cavitation is a well known phenomena in which small bubbles are formed and subsequently caused to expand and collapse through the application of acoustic energy.
  • the appropriately driven collapsing bubble causes a shock wave to be formed ahead of the collapsing bubble wall, resulting in a rapid increase in the temperature and the pressure within the bubble. If a sufficient temperature is reached, the bubble will briefly emit radiation, the spectrum of which is dependent upon the bubble temperature as well as the gas or gases within the bubble.
  • the conversion of acoustic energy to optical energy is commonly referred to as sonoluminescence.
  • each CFR is comprised of a reactor chamber and a plurality of acoustic horns coupled through the chamber walls.
  • a liquid host metal such as lithium or beryllium into which hydrogen isotopes are distributed either as dissolved gas, as hydrides, or as small bubbles.
  • the acoustic horns are used to vary the ambient pressure in the liquid metal, creating small bubbles that are then caused to expand and collapse.
  • the resultant high temperatures and pressures within the bubble and the host liquid are used to promote thermonuclear reactions of the hydrogen isotopes.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,858,104 discloses a cavitation reactor chamber filled, in part, with a liquid.
  • the chamber is coupled to a pressure source that allows the liquid to be pressurized to a static pressure different from the ambient atmospheric pressure.
  • a pulsed acoustic shock wave is introduced into the liquid and reflected from a free surface of the liquid as a dilatation wave.
  • the dilatation wave is focused on a desired location within the chamber, the desired location containing in at least one embodiment an object such as a biological cell, a pellet, or some other surface to be cleansed.
  • the dilatation wave causes a bubble to form and expand while the static pressure causes the bubble to subsequently collapse and generate extremely high pressures.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,659,173 discloses a technique for converting acoustic energy into other energy forms, the technique utilizing a feedback loop.
  • the feedback loop monitors a characteristic of the emission and uses this characteristic to control the driving mechanism, thus allowing the process to be sustained for extended periods of time.
  • Emission characteristics that may be monitored include the intensity of the produced energy as well as the repetition rate of the produced energy, assuming that the energy is in the form of pulses.
  • the feedback loop may use the monitored information to alter the frequency or amplitude of the applied acoustic energy. What is needed in the art is a cavitation nuclear reactor system that simplifies core assembly replacement as well as reactor diagnostics. The present invention provides such a system.
  • the present invention provides a method and apparatus for driving nuclear reactions in a controlled manner within a shaped cavitation nuclear reactor or CNR.
  • a CNR according to the invention is comprised of a solid material and, more particularly, comprised of a fuel material interspersed within a host material.
  • the shape of the CNR is generally cylindrical, with the central region of the reactor having a substantially smaller diameter than either end portion. Due to this shape, the central reactor region undergoes enhanced cavitation with numerous reaction sites being in close proximity to the surface of the reactor's central region.
  • the shaped reactor of the present invention is well suited for use as a photon particle source.
  • a driver assembly Attached to either end of the CNR is a driver assembly, the driver assemblies being used to couple acoustic energy into the reactor.
  • the driver assemblies use transducers, preferably piezo-electric crystals, to convert electrical energy into acoustic energy.
  • each of the driver assemblies also utilizes an acoustic wave guide to couple energy into the reactor and an acoustic balancing mass to improve the driver's performance characteristics.
  • the coupling technique allows easy replacement of the reactor.
  • the CNR is contained within a high pressure enclosure which is fabricated from a material capable of withstanding the desired reactor operating temperature.
  • the high pressure enclosure is encased in one or more layers of thermal insulation, followed by an outer enclosure. Coolant, fed through one or more nozzles, impinge upon the outer surface of the reactor to provide heat removal, typically resulting in the generation of vapor or steam.
  • the vapor or steam is, in turn, coupled to an energy conversion system such as a steam turbine, heater radiator, steam piston motor, heat exchanger, or other heat utilization device.
  • one or more static stress amplitude modulators are coupled to the reactor system.
  • the modulators allow a static force to be applied to the reactor simultaneously with the application of dynamic modulation by the drivers.
  • a variety of different nuclear reactions can be driven within the cavitation sites of the CNR.
  • the possible nuclear reactions include fusion, fission, spallation, and neutron stripping.
  • fusion reactions are forced to occur within the solid CNR, for example using deuterium, tritium, and/or lithium as reactants.
  • the fusion reactants can be loaded into a variety of host materials, preferably the host material is a metal of high acoustic impedance. Alternately, the host material can be selected on the basis of sound speed, cost, and its ability to absorb hydrogen.
  • photo-dissociation fission reactions are forced to occur within heavy atoms such as uranium or plutonium.
  • neutron stripping reactions are forced to take place within the CNR between heavy isotopes, preferably those with a large thermal neutron capture cross-section, and light isotopes such as deuterium, tritium, and lithium. Examples of suitable heavy isotopes include gadolinium, cadmium, and europium.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a nuclear reactor system in accordance with the invention
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the fuel particle distribution in a shaped reactor
  • Fig. 3 illustrates an alternate fuel particle distribution in a shaped reactor
  • Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the reactor of Fig. 3, illustrating the radial gradient in fuel particle density
  • Fig. 5 illustrates an alternate fuel particle distribution in a shaped reactor
  • Fig. 6 illustrates an alternate fuel particle distribution in a shaped reactor
  • Fig. 7 illustrates an alternate shaped reactor design
  • Fig. 8 illustrates an alternate shaped reactor design
  • Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the end of the driver assembly, illustrating one technique for coupling the driver assembly to the reactor assembly;
  • Fig. 10 illustrates an alternate means of coupling the driver assemblies to the CNR
  • Fig. 11 illustrates an alternate means of coupling the driver assemblies to the CNR
  • Fig. 12 illustrates an alternate means of coupling the driver assemblies to the CNR
  • Fig. 13 illustrates the combination of the shaped reactor system with a particle shield
  • Fig. 14 is an orthogonal view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 13;
  • Fig. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the invention utilizing multiple static stress amplitude modulators
  • Fig. 16 illustrates a reactor system, including a vapor generation system, in accordance with the invention.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a nuclear reactor system 100 in accordance with the invention.
  • a cavitation nuclear reactor hereafter, CNR
  • CNR cavitation nuclear reactor
  • Driver assemblies 103 also provide a convenient method for supporting CNR 101.
  • acoustic energy is coupled to CNR 101 through driver assemblies 103.
  • a pressure intensity pattern develops within CNR 101.
  • the exact characteristics of the intensity pattern are dependent upon, among other factors, the dimensions, shape, and material comprising CNR 101; the design of driver assemblies 103; the amplitude, frequency, and waveform of the coupled energy; and the mechanical and thermal history of CNR 101 (e.g., how long CNR 101 has been in operation, the locations of previously formed cavities, etc.).
  • the pressure intensity pattern formed within the reactor is one in which the strongest pressure anti-node exists at the center of the CNR with the intensity of the pressure anti-nodes decreasing with increasing distance from the center of the reactor.
  • the pressure anti-nodes occur where there is a convergence of acoustic energy (i.e., basically the phenomena of three-dimensional constructive interference). Due to the central portion of CNR 101 being of smaller diameter than either end portion, acoustic energy focussing naturally occurs, leading to the preferred intensity pattern. It is understood, however, that other pressure intensity patterns can be formed within the reactor.
  • the intensity pattern As a result of the intensity pattern, at numerous locations within CNR 101 the energy is high enough to form small cavities or bubbles within the solid material, the bubbles typically being between about 0.1 and about 100 micrometers in diameter.
  • the intensity pattern also causes localized heating and the creation of small melt zones, the bubbles being formed within the melt zones, thus taking advantage of the differences between liquids and solids in their respective abilities to support shear stress. Due to the cavitation phenomena, the applied acoustic energy causes the newly formed bubbles to oscillate. During oscillation the bubbles first expand and then collapse.
  • the spherically converging material associated with the cavitation process attains high Mach number velocities, thus leading to a density and temperature in excess of that required to drive the desired nuclear reaction.
  • the bubbles or cavities undergo repetitive cavitation cycles. It should be understood, however, that under the appropriate conditions, e.g., sufficient input energy, appropriate fuel, etc., a single bubble cavitation cycle is sufficient to cause the desired nuclear reaction to take place within that bubble.
  • CNR 101 has a cylindrical shape and is comprised of a central portion 105 which is of a smaller diameter than end portions 107.
  • the diameter of central portion 105 is approximately 3 millimeters and the diameter of end portions 107 is approximately 13 to 16 millimeters.
  • CNR 101 is comprised of a fuel material interspersed within a host material.
  • the density of fuel particles 201 is highest in central portion 105 with little, if any, fuel material interspersed within host material 203 comprising end portions 107.
  • the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3 is similar to that shown in Fig. 2 except that in addition to fuel particles 201 being concentrated in central reactor region 105, there is a radial gradient in fuel particle density, with the fuel particle density being highest at the center of the reactor and decreasing with increasing radial distance from the center.
  • Fig. 4 a cross- sectional view of the reactor shown in Fig. 3 taken along plane A- A, illustrates this radial gradient.
  • the radial gradient can be either a smoothly varying gradient or comprised of a series of density steps.
  • fuel particles 201 are evenly distributed throughout the entire reactor.
  • the fuel particles are distributed throughout reactor portions 105 and 107, there is a radial gradient in fuel particle density.
  • the fuel material can be interspersed within the host material in a variety of ways.
  • the CNR can be fabricated in a variety of shapes and that CNR 101 is only meant to be illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the invention. For example, in the alternate CNR design shown in Fig.
  • the CNR can utilize an abrupt transition in the shaped core.
  • This design is generally a less desirable design as it tends to suffer from increased stress fatigue failure at transition area 801.
  • sha ⁇ transition areas are smoothed, for example using mechanical polishing, chemical polishing, electro-chemical polishing, or shot peening, thus reducing fatigue failure.
  • the material selected for CNR 101 depends upon the desired nuclear reaction, preferably the host material has a high thermal conductivity, a high sound speed, and a high density, thus promoting high shock wave velocities and the attendant generation of high temperatures.
  • the host material has a higher melting temperature than the fuel material, and more preferably that the melting temperature of the host material is greater than the vaporization temperature of the fuel material.
  • the acoustic impedance of the fuel particles is lower than the acoustic impedance of the host material.
  • the host material is a metal.
  • Other materials, however, such as a ceramic can also be used as the host material. More preferably, the host material is comprised of tungsten, thus allowing the reactor to run at extremely high temperatures.
  • CNR 101 Other suitable host materials for CNR 101 include titanium, gadolinium, cadmium, molybdenum, rhenium, osmium, hafnium, iridium, niobium, ruthenium, uranium, or tantalum.
  • the present reactor system can be used to drive fusion reactions, fission reactions, spallation reactions, and neutron stripping reactions.
  • the proper reactants must be loaded into the host material of CNR 101.
  • deuterium, lithium, and tritium reactants are loaded into the host material, typically in the form of lithium and deuterium or lithium and tritium. Other combinations such as deuterium and tritium or deuterium alone can also be used.
  • the reactants are selected from light isotopes such as deuterium, tritium, and lithium and heavy isotopes with a large thermal neutron capture cross-section such as gadolinium, cadmium, and europium.
  • light isotopes such as deuterium, tritium, and lithium and heavy isotopes with a large thermal neutron capture cross-section such as gadolinium, cadmium, and europium.
  • suitable high neutron cross-section isotopes include boron, samarium, dysprosium, iridium, and mercury.
  • the cavitation phenomenon benefits from the use of heavy ions.
  • the walls of the bubble are inwardly accelerating at approximately the same rate regardless of whether the bubble walls are comprised of heavy ions, light ions, or both.
  • This is the result of the heavy ions, e.g., tungsten, and the light ions, e.g., deuterium, having approximately the same charge to mass ratio and therefore approximately the same acceleration profiles.
  • the material comprising the opposing bubble walls collides with approximately the same velocity, resulting in the formation of a plasma in which the temperature is the average kinetic energy of the colliding material.
  • the effective temperature of a heavy ion is much higher than that of a light ion, and therefore the temperature of a plasma comprised of heavy ions will be much higher than that of a plasma comprised of light ions. Accordingly, by using a host material comprised of a high mass material such as gadolinium, tungsten, osmium, iridium, or uranium, the temperature of the plasma formed within the collapsing bubbles is higher than would otherwise be achievable, leading to improved nuclear reaction capabilities. Given that the kinetic energy of an atom is proportional to the square of its velocity, the sound speed of the host material is even more important than its mass.
  • both the surface tension and the vapor pressure of the host material are considered during the host material selection process.
  • a large surface tension leads to an improvement in the sphericity of the collapsing bubble and hence improved bubble wall acceleration.
  • a reduction in the vapor pressure helps to achieve a smaller diameter in the final, collapsed bubble. Since the collapsing bubble walls are undergoing acceleration, the further a cavity collapses, the greater the peak velocity achieved by the atoms. Hence a reduced vapor pressure leads to a higher plasma temperature in the collapsed cavity.
  • materials that exhibit a low vapor pressure also exhibit a high surface tension thus providing dual benefits to the present invention.
  • Powder metallurgy is one technique by which the desired reactants can be loaded into the host material comprising the CNR.
  • a powder of a reactant e.g., TiD, LiD, LiDT, TiDT, GdDT, or GdD 2
  • a powder of the host parent lattice e.g., Ti, W, Gd, Os, or Mo
  • Yet another technique for loading reactants is to expose the host material to a high pressure gas of the desired reactant in a furnace, e.g., a deuterium furnace.
  • a furnace e.g., a deuterium furnace.
  • a titanium or tungsten host material can be exposed to high pressure deuterium using this technique.
  • a source of a high pressure gas of deuterium or other reactant can be attached to a host material which is then placed within a furnace.
  • the reactant e.g., deuterium
  • the host material can be machined into the desired reactor shape before or after loading.
  • gas reactant loading is improved by loading at a high temperature or by using a glow discharge to ionize the reactant and break-up the molecules into free atoms that can more easily penetrate into the metal lattice.
  • Still other techniques for loading reactants are electrolysis and cavitation. By performing electrolysis and/or cavitation on the exterior surface of the host material, the reactants can be driven into the interior. Migration of the reactants through the host material typically follows imperfections in the grain structure.
  • the reactor Since the reactant atoms will diffuse first from the outermost layer of the reactor and last from the center of the reactor, the reactor will develop a reactant concentration gradient wherein the lowest reactant concentration is at the exterior surface and the highest reactant concentration is at the center of the reactor. As a consequence of this additional step, a gradient reactor is formed.
  • CNR 101 is conditioned, thereby making it easier to initiate the cavitation process during full-scale operation of the reactor without the use of an external heat source.
  • CNR 101 is conditioned, thereby making it easier to initiate the cavitation process during full-scale operation of the reactor without the use of an external heat source.
  • cavities are formed near the fuel or reactant particles, the cavities remaining in place after completion of the cavity forming step. Once the cavities are formed, acoustic energy applied to the reactor during normal reactor operation will be preferentially focused at the cavity sites, thus leading to a more efficient cavitation process.
  • One approach for forming the desired conditioning cavities within the reactor is to heat the reactor to a temperature above the melting temperature of the reactants, but below the melting temperature of the host material, and then inject acoustic energy into the reactor. Once the cavities are formed, they remain in place even though the application of acoustic energy and heat to the reactor is discontinued. Although during the heating step the reactor is preferably heated to a temperature above the melting temperature of the reactants, it is understood that the reactor can be heated to a lower temperature if sufficient acoustic energy is injected into the reactor.
  • the cavitation phenomenon is the result of energy, preferably in the form of acoustic energy, being driven into the reactor and forming a pressure intensity pattern.
  • the pressure intensity pattern is due to the interference pattern set up within the reactor between the acoustic energy transmitted into the reactor from each of the driver assemblies and from the acoustic energy reflected from the various reactor free surfaces, e.g., exterior surfaces.
  • the pressure intensity pattern creates bubbles within the reactor, the bubbles undergoing alternating periods of expansion and collapse. It is during the period of collapse that the spherically converging material achieves the density and temperatures required to drive the desired reactions.
  • the fundamental resonant frequency characteristics of the reactor can be estimated using the sound speed of the material comprising the CNR as well as the dimensions of the CNR. After a fundamental resonant frequency is estimated, an initial driver frequency is selected on the basis of this estimate, utilizing either a fundamental resonant frequency or some integer multiple thereof, assuming resonant excitation is desired as in the preferred embodiment.
  • the driving frequency can then be fine tuned by monitoring some aspect of the reactor, such as the amount of acoustic or white noise generated by the collapsing cavities within the reactor, and adjusting the driving frequency to maximize the selected characteristic.
  • the fundamental frequency or frequencies of the reactor can be experimentally determined using techniques well known by those of skill in the art.
  • Driver assemblies 103 can utilize a single piezo-electric crystal per assembly. In the preferred embodiment, however, each assembly uses a pair of crystals as shown. By utilizing a pair of piezo-electric crystals, the adjacent surfaces of the two crystals can be of the same polarity, thereby minimizing potential grounding problems.
  • Each driver assembly 103 includes an acoustic wave guide 111 and an acoustic balancing mass 113.
  • the lengths of acoustic wave guide 111 and acoustic balancing mass 113 are selected to be a harmonic of the desired drive frequency.
  • the frequency of crystals 109 is adjustable over a relatively large range, thus allowing the frequency to be fine tuned.
  • the frequency of crystals 109 can be periodically altered to at least a small degree, e.g., ⁇ 10 percent of the driving frequency, as required to change the acoustic interference pattern and to insure that the cavities within the reactor are formed at varying locations.
  • Varying the cavity locations also allows regions in the reactor core containing unused fuel to be excited, thereby providing efficient fuel usage. It should be noted, however, that due to the continual formation and collapse of cavities within the reactor, the frequency characteristics of the reactor are continually changing on microscopic levels, thus automatically varying the locations of cavitation within the reactor and reducing the need to vary the driver frequency.
  • driver assemblies 103 can be actively cooled (e.g., due to the operating temperature of the reactor).
  • each driver assembly 103 can be at least partially enclosed in a driver housing 115 and cooled with a liquid coolant, a cooled gas, or a mist of gas and coolant, directed at the driver assembly by one or more nozzles 117.
  • Nozzles 117 are coupled to a driver coolant system 119.
  • Each driver assembly 103 can utilize a separate coolant system 119, or a single coolant system can be used for all of the drivers.
  • drivers 105 also include a liquid temperature monitor 121 and a drain system 123.
  • the temperature of the coolant can provide a feedback signal to a processor 125 which allows the coolant flow rate to be modulated in order to achieve the optimum transducer operating temperature.
  • liquid temperature monitor 121 can be replaced with other sensing means that provide a similar feedback signal.
  • one or more IR sensors can be used to directly monitor the temperature of acoustic wave guide 111.
  • Driver assemblies 103 can be coupled to CNR 101 using a variety of techniques. In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the system is designed to allow easy replacement of the reactor and/or driver assemblies. Specifically, and as further illustrated in the cross-section shown in Fig.
  • threaded rod 1003 extends through acoustic wave guide 111, driver transducer(s) 109, and acoustic balancing mass 113, thus providing a means of combining the various driver components together.
  • acoustic wave guide 111 can include a threaded member 1101 which is used to couple driver assemblies 103 to reactor 101.
  • This embodiment also includes means for coupling the driver components together.
  • a threaded bolt 1103 is used although other fastening means can be used.
  • the reactor can also be fabricated with a threaded member 1201 which can be threaded into acoustic wave guide 111, as illustrated in Fig. 12.
  • thermal insulators 1005 can be used to provide additional thermal isolation of driver transducers 109 from the reactor.
  • Thermal insulators 1005, preferably comprised of ceramic washers, can be located at a variety of different locations within the reactor system. For example, insulators 1005 can be positioned between the adjoining surfaces of CNR 101 and driver assemblies 103; at one or more locations within acoustic wave guide 111; and/or between the adjoining surfaces of acoustic wave guide 111 and driver transducers 109. It is understood that other techniques can be used to couple driver assemblies 103 to CNR 101.
  • An advantage of the present invention is that it allows access to the primary region undergoing cavitation, i.e., the central, necked down portion 105 of reactor 101. Accordingly, it is possible to readily view the region, either during times of operation or non-operation, for diagnostics pu ⁇ oses. Thus if the output of the reactor begins to vary, the reactor can be easily viewed to look for observable signs of reactor failure, for example the development of fatigue fractures resulting from repetitive stress cycling.
  • Fig. 13 illustrates the combination of the shaped reactor system with a shield 1301.
  • Fig. 14 is an orthogonal view of the same system.
  • an aperture 1303 which provides access to the photons/particles generated within reactor 101.
  • Shield 1301 is thick enough and comprised of a suitable material to adequately prevent the escape of generated particles, except through aperture 1303.
  • Static Pressure System Fig. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the invention utilizing multiple static stress amplitude modulators 1501. It is understood that the invention can utilize both fewer and greater numbers of modulators 1501, depending upon the modulator/reactor mounting system, the type of modulator, and the desired level of static modulation.
  • Modulators 1501 are used to apply a static force, either compressive or tensile, to a reactor assembly such as that shown in Fig. 1, the static force applied simultaneously with the dynamic force arising from the modulation of the reactor by driver assemblies 103.
  • modulators 1501 apply a tensile force to the reactor during the initial operation of reactor 101, and more preferably during the conditioning cavity formation process. During normal reactor operation, typically modulators 1501 apply a compressive force to the reactor.
  • a modulator coupling member 1503 is attached to both ends of the reactor assembly, specifically to the driver assemblies.
  • at least one threaded member 1505 is threadably coupled to each driver assembly 103, threaded members 1505 attaching coupling members 1503 to driver assemblies 103.
  • threaded members 1505 are also used to combine the various driver components together, specifically acoustic wave guide 111, driver transducer(s) 109, and acoustic balancing mass 113.
  • modulators 1501 are threaded, thus allowing the use of nuts 1507 to vary the amplitude and direction of the force applied to reactor 101.
  • CNR 101 is held within a high pressure enclosure
  • Nozzle or nozzles 1603 can be replaced by any means suitable for directing coolant onto CNR 101.
  • Preferably water is used as the coolant.
  • the coolant impinging upon the outer surface of CNR 101 serves two pu ⁇ oses. First, the coolant maintains the reactor at the desired operating temperature.
  • the rate of cooling primarily depends upon the number of nozzles 1603, the heat capacity of the coolant, and the flow rate of the coolant from each nozzle 1603. Second, as the coolant impinges upon the hot outer surface of CNR 101, a high pressure fluid (e.g., vapor or liquid) is generated, for example through the vaporization of the coolant. This high pressure fluid is contained within enclosure 1601. If the coolant is water, as in the preferred embodiment, steam is generated by the vaporization of the coolant.
  • a high pressure fluid e.g., vapor or liquid
  • Nozzles 1603 are coupled to a coolant source 1605 via high pressure lines 1607.
  • Preferably surrounding enclosure 1601 is thermal insulation 1609 and a second, outer enclosure 1611.
  • One or more high pressure fluid transport pipes 1613 preferably thermally insulated, penetrate enclosures 1601 and 1611 and thermal insulation 1609, transport pipes 1613 being used to transport the high pressure and high temperature fluid (e.g., liquid, vapor, or steam) to the intended energy conversion system 1615.
  • Suitable energy conversion systems include, but are not limited to, steam turbines, heater radiators, steam piston motors, or other heat exchangers.
  • the material used for thermal insulation 1609 as well as the materials used for high pressure enclosure 1601 and outer enclosure 1611 are primarily driven by the desired reactor operating temperature.
  • the desired reactor operating temperature is, in turn, primarily driven by the type of energy conversion system 1615 to be coupled to the vapor generation system as well as the melting temperature of the reactor host material.
  • CNR 101 operates at an extremely high temperature, thus requiring enclosure 1601 to be fabricated from a high melting point material such as tungsten; thermal insulation 1609 to be fabricated from a refractory material; and outer enclosure 1611 to be fabricated from a suitably high melting point material such as titanium. It is understood that other material combinations can also be used with the present invention.
  • At the bottom of enclosure 1601 are one or more detectors 1617 which monitor the accumulation of liquid coolant within the enclosure. If the liquid level su ⁇ asses a predetermined level, a portion of the liquid can be removed via one or more exit ports 1619. Preferably the predetermined level is calculated to prevent the accumulated coolant from rising to the level of CNR 101 as such contact would alter the resonance characteristics of the reactor.
  • a solenoid controlled valve 1621 is coupled to exit port 1619, thus allowing a system controller 1623 to automatically monitor liquid build-up with detector 1617 and drain liquid via port 1619 as necessary.

Abstract

A method and apparatus for driving nuclear reactions in a controlled manner within a shaped cavitation nuclear reactor or CNR is provided. The shape of the CNR is generally cylindrical, with the central region of the reactor having a substantially smaller diameter than either end portion. Due to this shape, the central reactor region undergoes enhanced cavitation with numerous reaction sites being in close proximity to the surface of the reactor's central region. As a result, the shaped reactor configuration is well suited for use as a photon/particle source. Attached to either end of the CNR is a driver assembly, the driver assemblies being used to couple acoustic energy into the reactor. The CNR may be contained within a high pressure enclosure fabricated from a material capable of withstanding the high reactor operating temperatures. Preferably the high pressure enclosure is encased in one or more layers of thermal insulation, followed by an outer enclosure. Coolant, fed through one or more nozzles, impinge upon the outer surface of the reactor thereby providing reactor cooling as well as a means of generating a high pressure fluid such as vapor or steam. The high pressure fluid is, in turn, coupled to an energy conversion system such as a steam turbine, heater radiator, steam piston motor, or other heat exchanger. The reactor system may include one or more static stress amplitude modulators which provide a means of simultaneously applying a static force with the dynamic forces applied by the drivers.

Description

A CAVITATION NUCLEAR REACTOR UTILIZING A SHAPED
CORE ASSEMBLY
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent No. 09/512,517, filed February 23, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 09/448,402, filed November 24, 1999; 09/448,685, filed November 24, 1999; 09/448,141, filed November 24, 1999; 09/448,052, filed November 24, 1999; 09/448,753, filed November 24, 1999; 09/448,142, filed November 24, 1999; 09/448,060, filed November 24, 1999; 09/448,309, filed November 24, 1999; 09/448,684, filed November 24, 1999; 09/444,716, filed November 24, 1999; 09/448,661, filed November 24, 1999; 09/448,686, filed November 24, 1999; 09/448,663, filed November 24, 1999; 09/448,981, filed November 24, 1999; 09/448,662, filed November 24, 1999; 09/448,401, filed November 24, 1999; and 09/444,717, filed November 24, 1999; all of which are incoφorated herein by reference for all puφoses. Additionally, this application is related to U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. _/_, filed November 15, 2000 (Attorney Docket No. 22957-719, entitled A Composite Reactor Assembly for a Cavitation Nuclear Reactor) and _/_, filed November 15, 2000 (Attorney Docket No. 22957-720, entitled A Driver Coupling Assembly for a Cavitation Nuclear Reactor), both of which are incoφorated herein by reference for all puφoses.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to nuclear reactions and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for an acoustically driven shaped nuclear cavitation reactor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Cavitation is a well known phenomena in which small bubbles are formed and subsequently caused to expand and collapse through the application of acoustic energy. During the contraction phase of the cycle, the appropriately driven collapsing bubble causes a shock wave to be formed ahead of the collapsing bubble wall, resulting in a rapid increase in the temperature and the pressure within the bubble. If a sufficient temperature is reached, the bubble will briefly emit radiation, the spectrum of which is dependent upon the bubble temperature as well as the gas or gases within the bubble. The conversion of acoustic energy to optical energy is commonly referred to as sonoluminescence.
Numerous theories have been developed to explain the sonoluminescence phenomenon, although to date none of the theories appear adequate. Regardless of the theory, it is well agreed that extremely high bubble temperatures can be reached. Estimates place bubble temperatures between 10,000 and 1,000,000 degrees Kelvin.
Under appropriate conditions, the collapsing bubble can yield temperatures that are sufficient to drive fusion reactions. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,333,796 discloses two different cavitation fusion reactors or CFRs. Each CFR is comprised of a reactor chamber and a plurality of acoustic horns coupled through the chamber walls.
Within the reactor chamber is a liquid host metal such as lithium or beryllium into which hydrogen isotopes are distributed either as dissolved gas, as hydrides, or as small bubbles. The acoustic horns are used to vary the ambient pressure in the liquid metal, creating small bubbles that are then caused to expand and collapse. The resultant high temperatures and pressures within the bubble and the host liquid are used to promote thermonuclear reactions of the hydrogen isotopes.
U.S. Patent No. 5,858,104 discloses a cavitation reactor chamber filled, in part, with a liquid. The chamber is coupled to a pressure source that allows the liquid to be pressurized to a static pressure different from the ambient atmospheric pressure. A pulsed acoustic shock wave is introduced into the liquid and reflected from a free surface of the liquid as a dilatation wave. The dilatation wave is focused on a desired location within the chamber, the desired location containing in at least one embodiment an object such as a biological cell, a pellet, or some other surface to be cleansed. The dilatation wave causes a bubble to form and expand while the static pressure causes the bubble to subsequently collapse and generate extremely high pressures.
U.S. Patent No. 5,659,173 discloses a technique for converting acoustic energy into other energy forms, the technique utilizing a feedback loop. The feedback loop monitors a characteristic of the emission and uses this characteristic to control the driving mechanism, thus allowing the process to be sustained for extended periods of time. Emission characteristics that may be monitored include the intensity of the produced energy as well as the repetition rate of the produced energy, assuming that the energy is in the form of pulses. In the disclosed system, the feedback loop may use the monitored information to alter the frequency or amplitude of the applied acoustic energy. What is needed in the art is a cavitation nuclear reactor system that simplifies core assembly replacement as well as reactor diagnostics. The present invention provides such a system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for driving nuclear reactions in a controlled manner within a shaped cavitation nuclear reactor or CNR. In general, a CNR according to the invention is comprised of a solid material and, more particularly, comprised of a fuel material interspersed within a host material. The shape of the CNR is generally cylindrical, with the central region of the reactor having a substantially smaller diameter than either end portion. Due to this shape, the central reactor region undergoes enhanced cavitation with numerous reaction sites being in close proximity to the surface of the reactor's central region. As a result, the shaped reactor of the present invention is well suited for use as a photon particle source.
Attached to either end of the CNR is a driver assembly, the driver assemblies being used to couple acoustic energy into the reactor. The driver assemblies use transducers, preferably piezo-electric crystals, to convert electrical energy into acoustic energy. Preferably each of the driver assemblies also utilizes an acoustic wave guide to couple energy into the reactor and an acoustic balancing mass to improve the driver's performance characteristics. Although a variety of techniques can be used to couple the driver assemblies to the reactor, preferably the coupling technique allows easy replacement of the reactor.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, the CNR is contained within a high pressure enclosure which is fabricated from a material capable of withstanding the desired reactor operating temperature. Preferably the high pressure enclosure is encased in one or more layers of thermal insulation, followed by an outer enclosure. Coolant, fed through one or more nozzles, impinge upon the outer surface of the reactor to provide heat removal, typically resulting in the generation of vapor or steam. The vapor or steam is, in turn, coupled to an energy conversion system such as a steam turbine, heater radiator, steam piston motor, heat exchanger, or other heat utilization device.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, one or more static stress amplitude modulators are coupled to the reactor system. The modulators allow a static force to be applied to the reactor simultaneously with the application of dynamic modulation by the drivers.
According to the invention, a variety of different nuclear reactions can be driven within the cavitation sites of the CNR. The possible nuclear reactions include fusion, fission, spallation, and neutron stripping. In one embodiment of the invention, fusion reactions are forced to occur within the solid CNR, for example using deuterium, tritium, and/or lithium as reactants. Although the fusion reactants can be loaded into a variety of host materials, preferably the host material is a metal of high acoustic impedance. Alternately, the host material can be selected on the basis of sound speed, cost, and its ability to absorb hydrogen. In another embodiment of the invention that utilizes the high energy photons resulting from the extremely hot plasmas associated with heavy ion collisions in the cavitation bubbles, photo-dissociation fission reactions are forced to occur within heavy atoms such as uranium or plutonium. In another embodiment of the invention, neutron stripping reactions are forced to take place within the CNR between heavy isotopes, preferably those with a large thermal neutron capture cross-section, and light isotopes such as deuterium, tritium, and lithium. Examples of suitable heavy isotopes include gadolinium, cadmium, and europium.
A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a nuclear reactor system in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 illustrates the fuel particle distribution in a shaped reactor;
Fig. 3 illustrates an alternate fuel particle distribution in a shaped reactor; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the reactor of Fig. 3, illustrating the radial gradient in fuel particle density; Fig. 5 illustrates an alternate fuel particle distribution in a shaped reactor; Fig. 6 illustrates an alternate fuel particle distribution in a shaped reactor; Fig. 7 illustrates an alternate shaped reactor design; Fig. 8 illustrates an alternate shaped reactor design; Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the end of the driver assembly, illustrating one technique for coupling the driver assembly to the reactor assembly;
Fig. 10 illustrates an alternate means of coupling the driver assemblies to the CNR;
Fig. 11 illustrates an alternate means of coupling the driver assemblies to the CNR;
Fig. 12 illustrates an alternate means of coupling the driver assemblies to the CNR;
Fig. 13 illustrates the combination of the shaped reactor system with a particle shield; Fig. 14 is an orthogonal view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 13;
Fig. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the invention utilizing multiple static stress amplitude modulators; and
Fig. 16 illustrates a reactor system, including a vapor generation system, in accordance with the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS System Overview
Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a nuclear reactor system 100 in accordance with the invention. At the core of system 100 is a cavitation nuclear reactor (hereafter, CNR) 101 within which the desired reaction, e.g., fusion reaction, takes place. Coupled to either end of CNR 101 is a driver assembly 103. Driver assemblies 103 also provide a convenient method for supporting CNR 101.
According to the invention, acoustic energy is coupled to CNR 101 through driver assemblies 103. As a result of the coupled acoustic energy, a pressure intensity pattern develops within CNR 101. The exact characteristics of the intensity pattern are dependent upon, among other factors, the dimensions, shape, and material comprising CNR 101; the design of driver assemblies 103; the amplitude, frequency, and waveform of the coupled energy; and the mechanical and thermal history of CNR 101 (e.g., how long CNR 101 has been in operation, the locations of previously formed cavities, etc.). Preferably the pressure intensity pattern formed within the reactor is one in which the strongest pressure anti-node exists at the center of the CNR with the intensity of the pressure anti-nodes decreasing with increasing distance from the center of the reactor. The pressure anti-nodes occur where there is a convergence of acoustic energy (i.e., basically the phenomena of three-dimensional constructive interference). Due to the central portion of CNR 101 being of smaller diameter than either end portion, acoustic energy focussing naturally occurs, leading to the preferred intensity pattern. It is understood, however, that other pressure intensity patterns can be formed within the reactor.
As a result of the intensity pattern, at numerous locations within CNR 101 the energy is high enough to form small cavities or bubbles within the solid material, the bubbles typically being between about 0.1 and about 100 micrometers in diameter. Preferably the intensity pattern also causes localized heating and the creation of small melt zones, the bubbles being formed within the melt zones, thus taking advantage of the differences between liquids and solids in their respective abilities to support shear stress. Due to the cavitation phenomena, the applied acoustic energy causes the newly formed bubbles to oscillate. During oscillation the bubbles first expand and then collapse. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the spherically converging material associated with the cavitation process attains high Mach number velocities, thus leading to a density and temperature in excess of that required to drive the desired nuclear reaction. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment the bubbles or cavities undergo repetitive cavitation cycles. It should be understood, however, that under the appropriate conditions, e.g., sufficient input energy, appropriate fuel, etc., a single bubble cavitation cycle is sufficient to cause the desired nuclear reaction to take place within that bubble.
Reactor Design
As illustrated in Fig. 1, CNR 101 has a cylindrical shape and is comprised of a central portion 105 which is of a smaller diameter than end portions 107. Preferably the diameter of central portion 105 is approximately 3 millimeters and the diameter of end portions 107 is approximately 13 to 16 millimeters.
CNR 101 is comprised of a fuel material interspersed within a host material. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Fig. 2, the density of fuel particles 201 is highest in central portion 105 with little, if any, fuel material interspersed within host material 203 comprising end portions 107. The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3 is similar to that shown in Fig. 2 except that in addition to fuel particles 201 being concentrated in central reactor region 105, there is a radial gradient in fuel particle density, with the fuel particle density being highest at the center of the reactor and decreasing with increasing radial distance from the center. Fig. 4, a cross- sectional view of the reactor shown in Fig. 3 taken along plane A- A, illustrates this radial gradient. It will be understood that the radial gradient can be either a smoothly varying gradient or comprised of a series of density steps. In the alternate embodiment shown in Fig. 5, fuel particles 201 are evenly distributed throughout the entire reactor. In the alternate embodiment shown in Fig. 6, although the fuel particles are distributed throughout reactor portions 105 and 107, there is a radial gradient in fuel particle density. In accordance with the present invention and as described above, the fuel material can be interspersed within the host material in a variety of ways. Additionally, it will be understood that the CNR can be fabricated in a variety of shapes and that CNR 101 is only meant to be illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the invention. For example, in the alternate CNR design shown in Fig. 7, only a small portion 701 of the CNR is of a reduced diameter, thereby providing improved energy focussing capabilities. Alternately, as shown in Fig. 8, the CNR can utilize an abrupt transition in the shaped core. This design, however, is generally a less desirable design as it tends to suffer from increased stress fatigue failure at transition area 801. Regardless of the exact CNR design, preferably shaφ transition areas are smoothed, for example using mechanical polishing, chemical polishing, electro-chemical polishing, or shot peening, thus reducing fatigue failure. Although the material selected for CNR 101 depends upon the desired nuclear reaction, preferably the host material has a high thermal conductivity, a high sound speed, and a high density, thus promoting high shock wave velocities and the attendant generation of high temperatures. In addition, preferably the host material has a higher melting temperature than the fuel material, and more preferably that the melting temperature of the host material is greater than the vaporization temperature of the fuel material. Furthermore, preferably the acoustic impedance of the fuel particles is lower than the acoustic impedance of the host material. As a consequence of the requirements placed upon the materials, preferably the host material is a metal. Other materials, however, such as a ceramic can also be used as the host material. More preferably, the host material is comprised of tungsten, thus allowing the reactor to run at extremely high temperatures. Other suitable host materials for CNR 101 include titanium, gadolinium, cadmium, molybdenum, rhenium, osmium, hafnium, iridium, niobium, ruthenium, uranium, or tantalum.
It is understood that the present reactor system can be used to drive fusion reactions, fission reactions, spallation reactions, and neutron stripping reactions. In order to accomplish the desired nuclear reactions, the proper reactants must be loaded into the host material of CNR 101. In the prefeπed embodiment, deuterium, lithium, and tritium reactants are loaded into the host material, typically in the form of lithium and deuterium or lithium and tritium. Other combinations such as deuterium and tritium or deuterium alone can also be used. Alternately, if the reactor is used for neutron stripping reactions, preferably the reactants are selected from light isotopes such as deuterium, tritium, and lithium and heavy isotopes with a large thermal neutron capture cross-section such as gadolinium, cadmium, and europium. Other suitable high neutron cross-section isotopes include boron, samarium, dysprosium, iridium, and mercury.
In selecting materials for the reactor of the present invention, it is understood that the cavitation phenomenon benefits from the use of heavy ions. Specifically, during the period of bubble collapse within the cavitation cycle, the walls of the bubble are inwardly accelerating at approximately the same rate regardless of whether the bubble walls are comprised of heavy ions, light ions, or both. This is the result of the heavy ions, e.g., tungsten, and the light ions, e.g., deuterium, having approximately the same charge to mass ratio and therefore approximately the same acceleration profiles. At the end of the collapse period, the material comprising the opposing bubble walls collides with approximately the same velocity, resulting in the formation of a plasma in which the temperature is the average kinetic energy of the colliding material. Since kinetic energy scales linearly with mass, the effective temperature of a heavy ion is much higher than that of a light ion, and therefore the temperature of a plasma comprised of heavy ions will be much higher than that of a plasma comprised of light ions. Accordingly, by using a host material comprised of a high mass material such as gadolinium, tungsten, osmium, iridium, or uranium, the temperature of the plasma formed within the collapsing bubbles is higher than would otherwise be achievable, leading to improved nuclear reaction capabilities. Given that the kinetic energy of an atom is proportional to the square of its velocity, the sound speed of the host material is even more important than its mass. Thus while doubling the mass of the host can lead to up to twice the plasma temperature, doubling the terminal collapse velocity can lead to up to four times the plasma temperature. Therefore high sound speed host materials such as beryllium, titanium, tungsten, and uranium are desirable. Of these, tungsten and uranium are ideal candidates as they have both a high mass and a high sound speed.
Additionally, and in accordance with the invention, both the surface tension and the vapor pressure of the host material are considered during the host material selection process. A large surface tension leads to an improvement in the sphericity of the collapsing bubble and hence improved bubble wall acceleration. A reduction in the vapor pressure helps to achieve a smaller diameter in the final, collapsed bubble. Since the collapsing bubble walls are undergoing acceleration, the further a cavity collapses, the greater the peak velocity achieved by the atoms. Hence a reduced vapor pressure leads to a higher plasma temperature in the collapsed cavity. Typically, materials that exhibit a low vapor pressure also exhibit a high surface tension thus providing dual benefits to the present invention.
A variety of well known metallurgical techniques can be used to load the reactants, thus only brief descriptions are provided herein. Powder metallurgy is one technique by which the desired reactants can be loaded into the host material comprising the CNR. For example, a powder of a reactant (e.g., TiD, LiD, LiDT, TiDT, GdDT, or GdD2) can be mixed with a powder of the host parent lattice (e.g., Ti, W, Gd, Os, or Mo) to form a mixture of the desired concentration which can then be pressed into the desired shape. The compressed structure is then sintered. Preferably the fuel powders have diameters in the range of 1 to 100 micrometers, and more preferably in the range of 1 to 10 micrometers. The host powders have diameters as small as economically feasible with nanophase powders being preferred. Among other advantages, powder metallurgy provides an easy technique for controlling both the concentration and placement of the reactants within the parent lattice of the CNR. Another technique for loading reactants is to bubble the desired reactant, for example deuterium, into the melted host material. After the host material is loaded with the reactant, it is either cast or drawn into the desired shape. If necessary, the cast or drawn material can be further shaped by machining. Yet another technique for loading reactants is to expose the host material to a high pressure gas of the desired reactant in a furnace, e.g., a deuterium furnace. For example, a titanium or tungsten host material can be exposed to high pressure deuterium using this technique. Alternately, a source of a high pressure gas of deuterium or other reactant can be attached to a host material which is then placed within a furnace. The reactant, e.g., deuterium, will flow through the metal lattice, particularly if the host material is in the form of a drawn bar. The host material can be machined into the desired reactor shape before or after loading. Preferably gas reactant loading is improved by loading at a high temperature or by using a glow discharge to ionize the reactant and break-up the molecules into free atoms that can more easily penetrate into the metal lattice.
Yet other techniques for loading reactants are electrolysis and cavitation. By performing electrolysis and/or cavitation on the exterior surface of the host material, the reactants can be driven into the interior. Migration of the reactants through the host material typically follows imperfections in the grain structure.
As previously noted, the fuel material can be distributed throughout the host material in a variety of configurations. If the desired configuration requires a fuel material gradient, for example such as those described in reference to Figs. 3, 4, and 6, a variety of techniques can be used to achieve the desired gradient. For example, once the fuel material or reactant is loaded into the host material, the loaded reactor can be placed in a vacuum oven or in an oven utilizing a high pressure inert gas such as argon. Inert gases do not readily penetrate into the interior of the reactor. The puφose of this heating step is to allow certain reactant atoms, e.g., deuterium and tritium, to diffuse out of the reactor. Since the reactant atoms will diffuse first from the outermost layer of the reactor and last from the center of the reactor, the reactor will develop a reactant concentration gradient wherein the lowest reactant concentration is at the exterior surface and the highest reactant concentration is at the center of the reactor. As a consequence of this additional step, a gradient reactor is formed.
After completion of the loading of the reactant into the host material, preferably CNR 101 is conditioned, thereby making it easier to initiate the cavitation process during full-scale operation of the reactor without the use of an external heat source. To condition the reactor, cavities are formed near the fuel or reactant particles, the cavities remaining in place after completion of the cavity forming step. Once the cavities are formed, acoustic energy applied to the reactor during normal reactor operation will be preferentially focused at the cavity sites, thus leading to a more efficient cavitation process.
One approach for forming the desired conditioning cavities within the reactor is to heat the reactor to a temperature above the melting temperature of the reactants, but below the melting temperature of the host material, and then inject acoustic energy into the reactor. Once the cavities are formed, they remain in place even though the application of acoustic energy and heat to the reactor is discontinued. Although during the heating step the reactor is preferably heated to a temperature above the melting temperature of the reactants, it is understood that the reactor can be heated to a lower temperature if sufficient acoustic energy is injected into the reactor.
Another approach to form the conditioning cavities is to heat the material to a temperature above the vaporization or dissociation temperature of the fuel. As a result of this heating step, the gas evolves and forms cavities.
Driver Design
As previously noted, the cavitation phenomenon is the result of energy, preferably in the form of acoustic energy, being driven into the reactor and forming a pressure intensity pattern. In essence the pressure intensity pattern is due to the interference pattern set up within the reactor between the acoustic energy transmitted into the reactor from each of the driver assemblies and from the acoustic energy reflected from the various reactor free surfaces, e.g., exterior surfaces. The pressure intensity pattern creates bubbles within the reactor, the bubbles undergoing alternating periods of expansion and collapse. It is during the period of collapse that the spherically converging material achieves the density and temperatures required to drive the desired reactions. The fundamental resonant frequency characteristics of the reactor can be estimated using the sound speed of the material comprising the CNR as well as the dimensions of the CNR. After a fundamental resonant frequency is estimated, an initial driver frequency is selected on the basis of this estimate, utilizing either a fundamental resonant frequency or some integer multiple thereof, assuming resonant excitation is desired as in the preferred embodiment. The driving frequency can then be fine tuned by monitoring some aspect of the reactor, such as the amount of acoustic or white noise generated by the collapsing cavities within the reactor, and adjusting the driving frequency to maximize the selected characteristic. Alternately, the fundamental frequency or frequencies of the reactor can be experimentally determined using techniques well known by those of skill in the art.
Although the desired frequency of the driver assemblies is given by the resonance of the reactor, assuming a resonant reactor design as in the preferred embodiment, the waveform of the incident driver acoustic energy is less limited. For example, the waveform of the incident energy can be sinusoidal in nature, matching the essentially sinusoidal nature of the reactor's response to the injected acoustic energy. Preferably, however, the acoustic energy injected into the reactor by the driver assemblies is in the form of a series of impulses timed to coincide with the sinusoidal waveform of the reactor, thus leading to higher bubble implosion velocities. More preferably, the injected acoustic energy utilizes a square waveform, thereby providing the benefits of a shaφ rising edge, such as with an impulse, while allowing a wider range of commercial drivers to be used. The present invention can utilize any of a variety of acoustic drivers. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, driver assemblies 103 utilize transducers to convert electrical energy into acoustic energy. Preferably piezo-electric crystals 109 are used although a magnetostrictive device can also be used within the driver assembly. As magnetostrictive drivers deliver a greater amount of energy but at a lower frequency than piezo-electric crystals, they are ideally suited for larger reactors which have a lower resonant frequency but require greater driver energy.
Driver assemblies 103 can utilize a single piezo-electric crystal per assembly. In the preferred embodiment, however, each assembly uses a pair of crystals as shown. By utilizing a pair of piezo-electric crystals, the adjacent surfaces of the two crystals can be of the same polarity, thereby minimizing potential grounding problems. Each driver assembly 103 includes an acoustic wave guide 111 and an acoustic balancing mass 113.
As previously noted, preferably resonant excitation is used. Accordingly, in order to achieve strong resonance, the lengths of acoustic wave guide 111 and acoustic balancing mass 113 are selected to be a harmonic of the desired drive frequency.
Preferably the frequency of crystals 109 is adjustable over a relatively large range, thus allowing the frequency to be fine tuned. Furthermore, preferably the frequency of crystals 109 can be periodically altered to at least a small degree, e.g., ± 10 percent of the driving frequency, as required to change the acoustic interference pattern and to insure that the cavities within the reactor are formed at varying locations. By varying the locations within the reactor where cavitation occurs, the reactor will operate for a longer period of time prior to the occurrence of a mechanically induced failure. Varying the cavity locations also allows regions in the reactor core containing unused fuel to be excited, thereby providing efficient fuel usage. It should be noted, however, that due to the continual formation and collapse of cavities within the reactor, the frequency characteristics of the reactor are continually changing on microscopic levels, thus automatically varying the locations of cavitation within the reactor and reducing the need to vary the driver frequency.
Although not preferred, if necessary driver assemblies 103 can be actively cooled (e.g., due to the operating temperature of the reactor). For example, each driver assembly 103 can be at least partially enclosed in a driver housing 115 and cooled with a liquid coolant, a cooled gas, or a mist of gas and coolant, directed at the driver assembly by one or more nozzles 117. Nozzles 117 are coupled to a driver coolant system 119. Each driver assembly 103 can utilize a separate coolant system 119, or a single coolant system can be used for all of the drivers. Preferably drivers 105 also include a liquid temperature monitor 121 and a drain system 123. The temperature of the coolant, for example as determined by monitor 121, can provide a feedback signal to a processor 125 which allows the coolant flow rate to be modulated in order to achieve the optimum transducer operating temperature. It is understood that liquid temperature monitor 121 can be replaced with other sensing means that provide a similar feedback signal. For example, as opposed to monitoring the temperature of the coolant, one or more IR sensors can be used to directly monitor the temperature of acoustic wave guide 111. Driver assemblies 103 can be coupled to CNR 101 using a variety of techniques. In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the system is designed to allow easy replacement of the reactor and/or driver assemblies. Specifically, and as further illustrated in the cross-section shown in Fig. 9, the end section of acoustic wave guide 111 includes a slot 127 and a recessed cavity 129 comparable in size to the outer diameter of portion 107 of reactor 101. After insertion of portion 107 of reactor 101 into recessed cavity 129, a fastening means 131 (e.g., a bolt) is used to compress slot 127. Compression of slot 127 causes a corresponding reduction in the inner diameter of recess 129, resulting in reactor 101 being securely coupled to driver assembly 103, thereby allowing both tensile and compressive forces to be communicated to the reactor.
A variety of other techniques can be used to couple driver assemblies 103 to CNR 101, for example as disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. _/_, filed November 15, 2000 (Attorney docket 22957-720, entitled A Driver Coupling Assembly for a Cavitation Nuclear Reactor), the disclosure of which is incoφorated herein in its entirety. One such coupling technique is illustrated in Fig. 10. It is understood that this example is meant to be illustrative of alternate coupling techniques and is not meant to be limiting. As shown in Fig. 10, each reactor portion 107 includes a threaded hole
1001. A threaded rod 1003, threadably coupled to hole 1001, joins driver assemblies 103 to reactor 101. In this embodiment threaded rod 1003 extends through acoustic wave guide 111, driver transducer(s) 109, and acoustic balancing mass 113, thus providing a means of combining the various driver components together. Alternately, and as shown in Fig. 11, acoustic wave guide 111 can include a threaded member 1101 which is used to couple driver assemblies 103 to reactor 101. This embodiment also includes means for coupling the driver components together. As shown, a threaded bolt 1103 is used although other fastening means can be used. Similarly, it is understood that although the embodiments shown in Figs. 10 and 11 utilize threaded holes 1001 within reactor 101, the reactor can also be fabricated with a threaded member 1201 which can be threaded into acoustic wave guide 111, as illustrated in Fig. 12.
Regardless of the technique used to couple driver assemblies 103 to CNR 101, one or more thermal insulators 1005 can be used to provide additional thermal isolation of driver transducers 109 from the reactor. Thermal insulators 1005, preferably comprised of ceramic washers, can be located at a variety of different locations within the reactor system. For example, insulators 1005 can be positioned between the adjoining surfaces of CNR 101 and driver assemblies 103; at one or more locations within acoustic wave guide 111; and/or between the adjoining surfaces of acoustic wave guide 111 and driver transducers 109. It is understood that other techniques can be used to couple driver assemblies 103 to CNR 101. For example, as opposed to using a system that allows easy de-coupling of the driver, a semi-permanent approach can be used. For example, reactor 101 can be welded, brazed, or otherwise bonded to acoustic wave guides 111. Reactor Viewing
An advantage of the present invention is that it allows access to the primary region undergoing cavitation, i.e., the central, necked down portion 105 of reactor 101. Accordingly, it is possible to readily view the region, either during times of operation or non-operation, for diagnostics puφoses. Thus if the output of the reactor begins to vary, the reactor can be easily viewed to look for observable signs of reactor failure, for example the development of fatigue fractures resulting from repetitive stress cycling.
An additional advantage that results from the shaped reactor configuration of the present invention is that it allows the reactor to be used as a photon/particle source. In this application reactor 101 can be used to promote either nuclear or non-nuclear reactions or both, depending upon the desired particle and particle energy. Due to the shape of reactor 101, many of the reactions occur close enough to the surface of region 105 for the particles being generated to escape the reactor. In contrast, typically the majority of the reactions in a non-shaped reactor occur at some distance from the surface. As a consequence, the majority of the particles generated in such a reactor are absorbed by the material separating the reaction sites from the outer surface of the reactor, resulting in an inefficient photon/particle source.
Fig. 13 illustrates the combination of the shaped reactor system with a shield 1301. Fig. 14 is an orthogonal view of the same system. Within shield 1301 is an aperture 1303 which provides access to the photons/particles generated within reactor 101. Shield 1301 is thick enough and comprised of a suitable material to adequately prevent the escape of generated particles, except through aperture 1303.
Static Pressure System Fig. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the invention utilizing multiple static stress amplitude modulators 1501. It is understood that the invention can utilize both fewer and greater numbers of modulators 1501, depending upon the modulator/reactor mounting system, the type of modulator, and the desired level of static modulation. Modulators 1501 are used to apply a static force, either compressive or tensile, to a reactor assembly such as that shown in Fig. 1, the static force applied simultaneously with the dynamic force arising from the modulation of the reactor by driver assemblies 103. Preferably modulators 1501 apply a tensile force to the reactor during the initial operation of reactor 101, and more preferably during the conditioning cavity formation process. During normal reactor operation, typically modulators 1501 apply a compressive force to the reactor. One method of coupling multiple modulators 1501 to reactor 101 is shown in Fig. 15. As shown, a modulator coupling member 1503 is attached to both ends of the reactor assembly, specifically to the driver assemblies. In this embodiment at least one threaded member 1505 is threadably coupled to each driver assembly 103, threaded members 1505 attaching coupling members 1503 to driver assemblies 103. Preferably threaded members 1505 are also used to combine the various driver components together, specifically acoustic wave guide 111, driver transducer(s) 109, and acoustic balancing mass 113. Preferably modulators 1501 are threaded, thus allowing the use of nuts 1507 to vary the amplitude and direction of the force applied to reactor 101.
Vapor Generation System As shown in Fig. 16, CNR 101 is held within a high pressure enclosure
1601. At least one nozzle 1603, and preferably a plurality of nozzles 1603, spray coolant, preferably in the form of a mist, onto CNR 101. Nozzle or nozzles 1603 can be replaced by any means suitable for directing coolant onto CNR 101. Preferably water is used as the coolant. The coolant impinging upon the outer surface of CNR 101 serves two puφoses. First, the coolant maintains the reactor at the desired operating temperature.
The rate of cooling primarily depends upon the number of nozzles 1603, the heat capacity of the coolant, and the flow rate of the coolant from each nozzle 1603. Second, as the coolant impinges upon the hot outer surface of CNR 101, a high pressure fluid (e.g., vapor or liquid) is generated, for example through the vaporization of the coolant. This high pressure fluid is contained within enclosure 1601. If the coolant is water, as in the preferred embodiment, steam is generated by the vaporization of the coolant.
Nozzles 1603 are coupled to a coolant source 1605 via high pressure lines 1607. Preferably surrounding enclosure 1601 is thermal insulation 1609 and a second, outer enclosure 1611. One or more high pressure fluid transport pipes 1613, preferably thermally insulated, penetrate enclosures 1601 and 1611 and thermal insulation 1609, transport pipes 1613 being used to transport the high pressure and high temperature fluid (e.g., liquid, vapor, or steam) to the intended energy conversion system 1615. Suitable energy conversion systems include, but are not limited to, steam turbines, heater radiators, steam piston motors, or other heat exchangers.
The material used for thermal insulation 1609 as well as the materials used for high pressure enclosure 1601 and outer enclosure 1611 are primarily driven by the desired reactor operating temperature. The desired reactor operating temperature is, in turn, primarily driven by the type of energy conversion system 1615 to be coupled to the vapor generation system as well as the melting temperature of the reactor host material. In a typical application, CNR 101 operates at an extremely high temperature, thus requiring enclosure 1601 to be fabricated from a high melting point material such as tungsten; thermal insulation 1609 to be fabricated from a refractory material; and outer enclosure 1611 to be fabricated from a suitably high melting point material such as titanium. It is understood that other material combinations can also be used with the present invention.
At the bottom of enclosure 1601 are one or more detectors 1617 which monitor the accumulation of liquid coolant within the enclosure. If the liquid level suφasses a predetermined level, a portion of the liquid can be removed via one or more exit ports 1619. Preferably the predetermined level is calculated to prevent the accumulated coolant from rising to the level of CNR 101 as such contact would alter the resonance characteristics of the reactor. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a solenoid controlled valve 1621 is coupled to exit port 1619, thus allowing a system controller 1623 to automatically monitor liquid build-up with detector 1617 and drain liquid via port 1619 as necessary.
As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosures and descriptions herein are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
L A cavitation nuclear reactor system, comprising: a reactor, wherein during operation said reactor is comprised of a solid material interspersed by a plurality of cavitation bubbles, said reactor further comprising: a first cylindrical end portion of a first diameter; a second cylindrical end portion of a second diameter; and a central section of a third diameter, said third diameter less than said first and said second diameters, wherein said central section is inteφosed between said first and second cylindrical end portions; a first acoustic driver assembly coupled to said first cylindrical end portion, said first acoustic driver assembly injecting acoustic energy into said reactor; and a second acoustic driver assembly coupled to said second cylindrical end portion, said second acoustic driver assembly injecting acoustic energy into said reactor.
2. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 1 , wherein said first diameter is approximately equivalent to said second diameter.
3. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 1, wherein said reactor central section is substantially cylindrical.
4. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 3, wherein a first tapered portion extends between said first cylindrical end portion and said central section, and wherein a second tapered portion extends between said second cylindrical end portion and said central portion.
5. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of cavitation bubbles are predominantly contained within said reactor central section.
6. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 1, wherein a first end of said first cylindrical end portion is positioned within a cavity of said first acoustic driver assembly, and wherein a first end of said second cylindrical end portion is positioned within a cavity of said second acoustic driver assembly.
7. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 6, wherein a first compression fitting maintains said first end of said first cylindrical end portion within said first acoustic driver assembly cavity, and wherein a second compression fitting maintains said first end of said second cylindrical end portion within said second acoustic driver assembly cavity.
8. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 1, wherein a first end of said first cylindrical end portion is threadably coupled to said first acoustic driver assembly, and wherein a first end of said second cylindrical end portion is threadably coupled to said second acoustic driver assembly.
9. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 1, further comprising: an enclosure at least partially surrounding said reactor, wherein said first and second acoustic drivers are located outside of said enclosure; a first coupling member, wherein said first cylindrical end portion is coupled to a first side of said first coupling member and said first acoustic driver assembly is coupled to a second side of said first coupling member; and a second coupling member, wherein said second cylindrical end portion is coupled to a first side of said second coupling member and said second acoustic driver assembly is coupled to a second side of said second coupling member.
10. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 1, further comprising: a first insulating member inteφosed between said first cylindrical end portion and said first acoustic driver assembly; and a second insulating member inteφosed between said second cylindrical end portion and said second acoustic driver assembly.
11. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 1 , said first acoustic driver assembly further comprising at least a first piezo-electric crystal, and said second acoustic driver assembly further comprising at least a second piezo-electric crystal.
12. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 1 , said first acoustic driver assembly further comprising at least a first magnetostrictive device, and said second acoustic driver assembly further comprising at least a second magnetostrictive device.
13. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 1, said first acoustic driver assembly further comprising a first acoustic wave guide, and said second acoustic driver assembly further comprising a second acoustic wave guide.
14. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 13, said first acoustic driver assembly further comprising a first acoustic balancing mass, and said second acoustic driver assembly further comprising a second acoustic balancing mass.
15. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 14, said first acoustic driver assembly further comprising a first threaded member, wherein said first threaded member is threadably coupled to a first threaded hole within said acoustic wave guide, and wherein said first threaded member passes through said first acoustic balancing mass and a first inteφosed driver; and said second acoustic driver assembly further comprising a second threaded member, wherein said second threaded member is threadably coupled to a second threaded hole within said acoustic wave guide, and wherein said second threaded member passes through said second acoustic balancing mass and a second inteφosed driver.
16. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 1, further comprising: a high pressure enclosure surrounding said reactor, wherein said first acoustic driver assembly is coupled to said first cylindrical end portion through a first wall of said high pressure enclosure, and wherein said second acoustic driver assembly is coupled to said second cylindrical end portion through a second wall of said high pressure enclosure; a source of reactor coolant; a means for directing said reactor coolant at an exterior surface of said reactor to form a high pressure fluid, said means coupled to said reactor coolant source; and an energy conversion system coupled to said high pressure enclosure, said high pressure fluid communicated to said energy conversion system by a high pressure fluid transport system.
17. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 16, wherein said directing means is comprised of at least one nozzle.
18. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 16, wherein said high pressure fluid is a liquid.
19. The cavitation nuclear reactor of claim 16, wherein said high pressure fluid is a vapor.
20. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 1 , said reactor further comprising: a host material; and a fuel material, said fuel material interspersed within said host material.
21. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 20, wherein said fuel material is limited to said central section.
22. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 20, wherein a first melting temperature associated with said host material is greater than a second melting temperature associated with said fuel material.
23. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 20, wherein a melting temperature associated with said host material is greater than a vaporization temperature associated with said fuel material.
24. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 20, wherein said host material is selected from the group of materials consisting of titanium, tungsten, gadolinium, cadmium, molybdenum, rhenium, osmium, hafnium, iridium, niobium, ruthenium, and tantalum.
25. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 20, wherein said fuel material is selected from the group of materials consisting of deuterium, tritium, and lithium.
26. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 1, further comprising at least one static stress amplitude modulator coupled to said reactor.
27. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 26, wherein said at least one static stress amplitude modulator applies a static compressive force to said reactor.
28. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 26, wherein said at least one static stress amplitude modulator applies a static tensile force to said reactor.
29. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 26, wherein a first portion of said at least one static stress amplitude modulator is coupled to said reactor via said first acoustic driver assembly, and wherein a second portion of said at least one static stress amplitude modulator is coupled to said reactor via said second acoustic driver assembly.
30. The cavitation nuclear reactor system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of static stress amplitude modulators; a first coupling member attached to a first end portion of each of said plurality of static stress amplitude modulators, wherein said first coupling member is attached to said first acoustic driver assembly; and a second coupling member attached to a second end portion of each of said plurality of static stress amplitude modulators, wherein said second coupling member is attached to said second acoustic driver assembly.
PCT/US2000/032091 1999-11-24 2000-11-21 Shaped core cavitation nuclear reactor WO2001039204A2 (en)

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US44868599A 1999-11-24 1999-11-24
US44805299A 1999-11-24 1999-11-24
US09/448,402 1999-11-24
US09/448,141 1999-11-24
US09/448,142 1999-11-24
US09/448,753 1999-11-24
US09/448,052 1999-11-24
US09/448,685 1999-11-24
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US8537958B2 (en) 2009-02-04 2013-09-17 General Fusion, Inc. Systems and methods for compressing plasma
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