The nuclear physics of fast reactors

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Abstract
The nuclear physics aspects of fast reactor research and development are reviewed with particular emphasis on the liquid metal fast breeder reactor. The uranium-plutonium breeding cycle is discussed and the sensitivity of the cycle to the competing processes of radiative capture and fission is considered. Measurements of the capture-to-fission ratio alpha are given and methods of defining the breeding ratio of a system are examined. The prompt neutron fission yield and the prompt neutron energy spectrum are mentioned and measurements of fast neutron cross sections are reviewed. Two aspects of reactor safety are dealt with: the effect of delayed neutrons from fast fission on the temporal behaviour of a fast reactor; and the role of the nuclear Doppler effect should the reactor undergo a power excursion under accident conditions. Phenomenological nuclear modelling is discussed with reference to coupled channel optical and fluctuating compound nucleus models.