The Prospects for Nuclear Reactor-MHD Commercial Power Production

Cycle analysis and preliminary component designs are made for prospective nuclear reactor-MHD commercial power plants, and the problems associated with component development are discussed. The concept of commercial MHD power production is compared with other nuclear reactor power plants, and recommendations are made as to the feasibility of the MHD concept. The results of the study, conducted by an ad hoc committee of staff members at the Los Alamos Scientific laboratory, indicate that nuclear reactor-MHD power production is not feasible for the foreseeable future. The development of major components for MHD plants would require extensive programs, and this cannot be justified in view of the presently undefined criteria. Moreover, no significant gains in power economy can be predicted that will allow the nuclear-MHD plant to compete with more conventional nuclear power plants.