Breeder Reactors

One of the most intriguing aspects of nuclear fission as a power source is the possibility of “fuel breeding”, which almost seems to violate the laws of thermodynamics.

What is breeding really, and how does it really work? What technologies are involved in implementing it? Why, given that the first electricity from fission was generated by a breeder reactor, are they not everywhere now?

Slides

Introductory slide with Seaborg quote
The Big Question, nuclear fuel cycle topics, and breeder reactor types
Nuclear data relevant to fuel conversion or breeding
Diagram of the Prototype Fast Reactor, a British implementation of the sodium-cooled fast breeder concept
Diagrams related to the Shippingport Light Water Breeder Reactor
Photos of aqueous homogeneous reactors, prototypes of possible future breeders
Photos of molten-salt reactors, prototypes of possible future breeders