NationStates Jolt Archive

The Federation Advanced Research, Development, and Reverse-engineering Agency (ARDRA) announced today that development has begun of an operational quantum nucleonic reactor for use in military and civilian applications.

Concept:
The quantum nucleonic reactor works by shooting a block of hafnium-178 with a stream of "soft" X-rays (like those used by dentists to examine teeth). This triggers a drop in the energy levels within the nuclei of the hafnium atoms. This change in energy levels is accompanied by a burst in gamma radiation 60 times more powerful than the initial infusion of X-rays. The gamma rays then heat the core of a heat exchanger which can be used for a multitude of purposes.

Applications:
Unmanned UAVs could use such a system to superheat air for their engines instead of burning jet fuel and stay in the air for months. Submarines could dramatically reduce both the size and shielding of their powerplants because gamma rays are easier to block.

Safety:
Hafnium-178 has a half-life of only 31 years, which makes it safer than other nuclear fuels and much less dangerous in the event of a crash. As one physicist described it, "You wouldn't want to be around it, but it wouldn't kill you." Halfnium-178, which is often used to slow chain reactions in fission reactors, also cannot support a chain reaction; this means it cannot be used to make nuclear weapons. Gamma ray output also drops to virtually safe levels once X-ray bombardment ceases.

OOC: This is, in fact, based on real research being conducted today.
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99993406

Doujin is interested in the research and development of this reactor, and will provide funding if allowed. A donation of 25 billion dollars is provided up front, more later if further research and development proves fruitful.

ARDRA is willing to jointly develop civilian applications of the QNR with Doujin. Joint military applications development is restricted to FACS organizations only at this point, given the sensitivity of the technology.

Understandably so.

For technology demonstration purposes, ARDRA is converting a SkyCat strategic airlift dirigible to QNR propulsion. Using Doujin funds, we can convert a second dirigible with the technology and turn it over to your engineers for testing.

The Research and Development Department of Doujinshi Corporation is preparing itself to test the dirigible as soon as it is constructed, and to begin devising many civilian uses for this technology.

McLeodian Aeronautical Industries wish to express great interest in this technology, and have requested funding from the King to provide to ARDRA. It is expected that MAFCC R&D department will also show great interest, especially regarding the military aspects of the technology.

The Research and Development Department of Doujinshi Corporation is preparing itself to test the dirigible as soon as it is constructed, and to begin devising many civilian uses for this technology.

The Doujin QNR test dirigible will be ready in six NS months.

McLeodian Aeronautical Industries wish to express great interest in this technology, and have requested funding from the King to provide to ARDRA. It is expected that MAFCC R&D department will also show great interest, especially regarding the military aspects of the technology.

Given the long cooperative history of McLeod and the Federation, the Secretary-General's Office has authorized private military-to-military discussion of the technology.

OOC: The Prime Minister of Doujin stomps around and pouts because he doesn't get to discuss the military aspect of this tech

OOC: Check your telegrams, Doujin. :P

The Doujin test dirigible is nearly complete.

The UCSNE and the Department of Technology would be very interested in this new development, for both civilian and military applications. We can provide funding and research teams, as well as any test equipment you may need.

I read about this today in Popular Mechanics, very cool stuff.

OOC: one problem, Gamma rays are the hardest type to block :-P

Good, just as long as you are not using our (copyrighted) quantum reactor concept. It works by sapping out the strong nuclear force out of atoms, and using it to turn nano-turbines.

If tech level is modern <2020...


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Zoogiedom is very interested in this technology and believes it to be very applicable in both civilian and military situations...however, we are more concerned with the civilian applications currently, and will offer $40 billion in funding for the project...

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Defense Minister Brian Dredon screams in frustration because he won't be able to use the military aspects of this technology

OOC: one problem, Gamma rays are the hardest type to block :-P

The gamma ray emissions are also tightly controlled and are the only form of radiation emitted, thus requiring less shielding.

If tech level is modern <2020...


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Zoogiedom is very interested in this technology and believes it to be very applicable in both civilian and military situations...however, we are more concerned with the civilian applications currently, and will offer $40 billion in funding for the project...

--

Defense Minister Brian Dredon screams in frustration because he won't be able to use the military aspects of this technology

OOC: This is an IRL project in development today using current technology.

IC: ARDRA would be more than happy to share the results of civilian QNR research with the Zoogie People.

The Doujin dirigible is complete and ready for delivery.

OOC: Bump for Raysia to see.