I know this might sound like more of an engineering question that about physics,
ID: 1379765 • Letter: I
Question
I know this might sound like more of an engineering question that about physics, and it probably is, but bear with me: i'm still not sure if the answer to my question lies in the physics or in the engineering, or even in the politics.
Most if not all of modern submarines are powered by a nuclear reactor. At sea, only the most heavyweight (like air-carriers) use a nuclear reactor. But i've never heard of nuclear-powered aircraft
Is there a weight-to-power density relation making it difficult or impossible to have nuclear aircraft? or is something related to perceived safety/politics?
Explanation / Answer
This is a cost to benefit question and can only be answered by a guess in a physics board. There is a new generation of small compact reactors that could be used for powering apartment buildings
The new reactor, which is only 20 feet by 6 feet,
Seems compact enough, so it is not size but weight that is important, since this weight has to be lifted. Due to radiation concerns a lot of lead will be involved and I suspect that the advantage in energy costs of
5 cents per kilowatt hour, about half the cost of grid energy.
will be lost.
In addition there are the concerns about accidents and possible radiation released. Look at the aviation accident which released depleted uranium used as counterweights in some airplanes, I suppose in order to reduce volume. Think of the problems if it there were a reactor aboard. Submarines etc do not have the same risk factors.