Fast breeder

The fast breeder or fast breeder reactor (FBR) is a type of fast neutron reactor that produces more fissile material than it consumes. The FBR is one possible type of breeder reactor, and the only type that can use uranium-238 as fuel. Using thorium as fuel, both fast and thermal breeder reactors are possible.

Related Topics:
Fast neutron reactor - Fissile - Uranium - Thorium

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Because India has large thorium reserves, it is aggressively pursuing development of the thorium-based fuel cycle.

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A fast neutron reactor, commonly called simply fast reactor, is a nuclear reactor design that uses no moderator but instead relies on fast neutrons to sustain its chain reaction. Achieving this requires high-grade fuel such as enriched uranium or plutonium, but once this has been provided for the initial startup the reactor produces its own fuel and a surplus that can then be used to start other FBRs, hence the concept of a breeder.

Related Topics:
Nuclear reactor - Moderator - Fast neutron - Chain reaction - Enriched uranium - Plutonium

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