Integrated Reactor Shield Structures for Transportable Nuclear Reactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transportable nuclear reactors face weight constraints due to the combined weight of reactor vessels and biologic shields, which affects their mobility and efficiency, especially when compared to stationary reactors.
Innovation Solution
An integrated reactor shield structure utilizing radially adjacent layers of sandwich composite material, where each layer consists of radially extending walls defining cells and a sheet surrounding these walls, with biologic shielding material disposed within the cells, allowing for reduced weight and increased mobility while maintaining necessary shielding and structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional reactor vessel and shield designs are used, then structural strength and shielding effectiveness are maintained, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining sandwich composite structure with biologic shielding material. The sandwich composite provides structural strength while the biologic shielding material (disposed within cells of the sandwich structure) provides radiation shielding, achieving both requirements with reduced weight compared to conventional solid steel vessels and separate shield designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor shield is segmented into multiple layers with radially extending walls defining cells. Each layer can be independently optimized for structural and shielding functions. The segmentation allows the shield to be divided into functional zones that can be filled with appropriate shielding materials while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If thick shield material is used, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but weight and mobility constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials combining sandwich structure with biologic shielding material to achieve effective radiation shielding without requiring thick, heavy conventional materials. The sandwich composite provides lightweight structural support while the biologic shielding material provides the necessary radiation attenuation, achieving shielding effectiveness with reduced weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield design applies local quality by placing biologic shielding material specifically within the cells of the sandwich structure where radiation shielding is most needed. This localized approach provides effective shielding while minimizing overall material usage and weight compared to uniform thick shielding designs.
3Reliability
If separate reactor vessel and shield structures are used, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity and assembly requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reactor vessel and shield into an integrated structure where the sandwich composite structure serves dual purposes: providing structural strength for the vessel and containing biologic shielding material for radiation protection. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sandwich composite structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural strength, contains shielding material, and acts as the reactor vessel wall. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system design while meeting all functional requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated reactor shield structure achieves significant weight savings, potentially reducing the weight by 30-40% compared to conventional designs, while maintaining the required strength and shielding characteristics, thus enhancing the mobility and efficiency of transportable nuclear reactors.
Implementation Method 1
gamma attenuation can be enhanced by using high proton number materials
Implementation Method 2
Neutron capture can be increased by using low atomic number neutron moderators
Implementation Method 3
The filler material is configured to transmit a compressive force between the layers of the sandwich composite material
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated reactor shield structure includes radially adjacent layers. Each layer includes radially extending walls defining cells and a sheet surrounding the radially extending walls. Biologic shielding material is disposed in each of the cells. Integrated pressure vessel structures are also disclosed.