What I was asking was can you burn yellowcake with a sufficient neutron source?
You do not need an external source of neutrons at all in order to burn refined yellowcake. The oxygen is not going to absorb many neutrons. In fact a "natural reactor" using only surface water as a moderator, continued for over 100,000 years at a site in Africa (Oklo) using only natural U.
"Then, how much enrichment is required for a given neutron source."
Zero, if you use heavy water or carbon as moderator
I'm sure that you are thinking on a much larger scale than I; but, just how KISS can you make a reactor? A home reactor?
It has probably been done at "home"... somewhere ? (certainly not by me)
Why the deuterium if I have an adequate neutron source and the right amount of U enrichment?
No need for D... IF... that is, you have the right enrichment... but enrichment is expensive, much more so than deuterium, even at the heavily subsidized price, and **extremely** wasteful of resources, and too many other reasons to mention..
If my questions are too trite, please simply ignore.
If my answers are too trite, please ignore ;-)
Jones
