Operating characteristics of a sub-core planetary reactor

It is possible for a uranium fueled fast fission reactor located in the sub-core of a planet to stay operational for over 4.5 billion years from the beginning of the planet’s formation. The operational time of the reactor depends on several parameters: initial uranium loading, time between planetary formation and the start-up of the reactor, average power level and density, migration of fission products out of the operating reactor region, and migration of fissile and fertile elements into the reactor region. There are several phenomena on the surface of the Earth that indicates the existence of a sub-core planetary reactor. The most obvious indication is the wide variance in the light element isotope distribution (Hydrogen through Boron), especially Helium, in the Earth’s crust and from deep wells. Anti-neutrino measurements have also detected significantly higher levels than can be accounted for by the presence of surrounding nuclear power plants. Previous work has shown the time and power characteristics of the reactor which include:235U and trans-uranic elements fission characteristics in fast reactors; how uranium isotopes and fission product decay as a function of time; and the varying3He/4He ratios that can be expected as a function of burnup and time. As well as summarizing these characteristics, this paper discusses other operational characteristics inherent in a planetary sub-core reactor. The detailed analysis of a sub-core planetary reactor would provide insight into the dynamics of planetary formation, changes in planetary rotation, planetary heat and energy balance, movement of plate tectonics, and volcanic activity.