818,232. Nuclear reactors. TOMMASI, G. B. Oct. 5, 1955 [Oct. 16, 1954; Aug. 27, 1955], No. 28393/55. Class 39(4). Fission of SmSP144/SP anc isotopes in general witl nuclei having a configuration analogous to a specified crystalline forn is obtained by subjecting the nuclie to neutror bombardment. In this way a nuclear reactor employing USP235/SP may be made to yield additional energy, or energy may be obtained from the fission of these imtermediate elements with neutrons produced by cosmic rays. SmSP144/SP is stated to be fissionable by neutrons of 3/5 of the energy required for fission of USP235/SP and to yield half the energy per fission. SmSP144/SP from USP235/SP fission products may be employed. In one apparatus described, neutrons from USP235/SP at 11 produce fissions in SmSP144/SP at 13, neutrons from which may pass at 11 or to a further quantity of SmSP144/SP at 15, from which in turn neutrons may pass to 13. 24, 25 represent the fission products, from which useful energy is extracted at 32 as thermal, mechanical, electrical or radiant energy. The remaining devices indicated are control means, reflectors, moderator and charging devices.
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