nuclear power

     

Nuclear power is any nuclear technology esigned to extract usable energy from atomic nuclei via controlled nuclear reactions. The most common method today is through nuclear fission, though other methods include nuclear fusion and radioactive decay. All current methods involve heating a working fluid such as water, which is then converted into mechanical work for the purpose of generating electricity or propulsion. Today, more than 15% of the world's electricity comes from nuclear power, over 150 nuclear-powered naval vessels have been built, and a few radioisotope rockets have been produced.

Trivia about nuclear power

  • In 1951 near Arco, usable electricity was first generated from this type of power
  • Imagine managing propulsion for a Navy sub under this type of power, like the Virginia class
  • France derives a higher percentage of its electricity from this energy source than any other country
  • The Blueback, Bonefish & Barbel were the U.S. Navy's last new diesel-powered subs before the move to these
  • Until this arrived in the 1950s, almost all subs used diesel-electric power
  • On July 21, 1959, the first cargo ship powered by this was launched at Camden, New Jersey
  • With the 1960 test of Gerboise Bleue, France became the fourth of these, joining the U.S., U.S.S.R. & U.K.
  • By 2003, there were 65 facilities for this type of power in the U.S., generating about 20% of our energy