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Abstract

The invention describes a method of nuclear energy transformation into electric and/or mechanical energy by triggering criticality in a working cylinder by an approach of a piston with a neutron reflector layer to fissile heat elements. Optionally, liquid moderator should fill the heating element to provide for an additional condition of such triggering. The pulse reaction initiates a heat cycle by expanding working fluid, extracting mechanical work and compressing the working fluid using lower amount of energy. The energy released in reaction can drive a column of water as a liquid piston propelling a highly efficient hydraulic turbine and producing a simple economical method of energy conversion. The piston movements can also be converted in laser and electromagnetic pulses. Self-regulation of nuclear reaction by a reflector piston linked to a resilient spring can be used in marine propulsion. In one method, the approach of the reflector piston triggers a reaction that evaporates water in the pressure chamber and produces a reactive thrust in a noozle. A fraction of the steam is diverted to produce steam bubble envelope on the surface of the vessel to minimize drag. Another fraction of the diverted steam drives a pump, pumping sea water into the heating elements. Other practical and novel applications of the method are disclosed.

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First Claim