OpenMC
Fission Energy Simulation
Introduction
Energy is the lifeblood of modern civilization, yet today's infrastructure often feels like something Rube Goldberg might have dreamed up. It's clear that simply doing more of the same won't provide the energy we need in the long term. If you've read enough of my writing, you know I am convinced we can revolutionize energy production—making it cleaner, more efficient, stable, and long-lasting, all while being safer. Thorium and molten salt reactor technology have already been tested, and the potential is enormous. (Quadrillions…)
While questions remain about where the maximum value lies and who will sow and reap the rewards of this transition, one thing is certain: AI superclusters are smart enough to recognize that the most energy-dense matter is fissile. The fastest route to unlocking this potential lies in rapid precise modeling and simulation—tools that can guide our technology forward in ways that would make even a time-traveling wizard scratch their head in awe.
Monte Carlo simulations, pioneered by Stanislaw Ulam and further developed by John von Neumann, have become staples of fission development for decades. These powerful predictive tools allow us to model complex behaviors and find optimal solutions with remarkable accuracy.
Taming the Power of Simulation
Designing and optimizing thorium reactors is a wildly multifaceted challenge—something I tackle only out of necessity. It's complex, nuanced, and requires imagination-driven analysis until as many blind spots as possible are eliminated.
When I first discovered OpenMC, I was completely out of my depth. But I knew that if I wanted to understand how to make something as advanced as a reactor actually work, I needed more than mental simulations—I needed real modeling tools.
OpenMC allows me to virtually test reactor designs with a precision that accelerates real-world implementation and brings our designs to market faster. With AI's help, I can iterate quickly and zero in on viable solutions in a fraction of the time. It's like rehearsing before stepping on stage—except the audience is the entire world of energy consumers.
The Role of OpenMC: A Simple Case Study
I thought to myself, let's keep things simple to start, adding complexity only as needed. So, I began by simulating the decay of a basic thorium oxide fuel pellet—a perfect baseline. With thorium's half-life of 14 billion years, the simulation wasn't exactly quick, but it was impressively accurate. It provided a clear view of the decay process.
Once I understood the half-life of thorium, I could apply similar simulations to any element for which I had a half-life. The real challenge begins when working with fluids—fluids are inherently different. Modeling a flowing fluid in a Monte Carlo simulation requires accounting for particle interactions and the dynamic nature of fluid movement. I need to layer in aspects like velocity, turbulence, and spatial variations. The fluid remains mostly homogeneous for a time, which is convenient for modeling, but over time it becomes less and less so. We will have to use chemistry to extract specific elements in real-time as the fluid composition changes. It’s been done before.
Dr. Emily Thompson put it best: "OpenMC's precision in modeling is indispensable for designing reactors that are both safe and efficient." These simulations are like a magnifying glass—they help me refine small details while also evaluating larger-scale challenges, reducing the friction which laboratory testing requires, still necessary but it can be a lot more minimized.
Pushing Simulation Limits: Learning via Training
Working with OpenMC feels like taking the PhD of mental "Limit Training" to the next level—constantly pushing the boundaries of what I need to understand to achieve the outcome I am looking for.
It’s incredible that democratized tools like these exist, empowering individuals like myself while fostering deeply invested communities. We're taking energy innovation out of the hands of a few big players and making it accessible to anyone with a purpose and vision.
An Intentionally Optimistic Path Forward
Energy innovation isn't just about solving today's problems—it's about laying the foundation for our children and their children to live in a thriving civilization, excited to contribute to their present and future. Thorium-based reactors offer us a inexhaustible supply of energy, with far fewer headaches than current technologies.
We can use advanced simulations to perfect these designs faster and for less, but why stop there? Let's shoot for the stars—literally. We'll need reliable power on Mars, and thorium reactors are key to making that a reality. See “The Interstellar Seed of Life”
Looking Ahead
Precision in simulation leads to precision in reality. By embracing advanced tools and collaborative platforms, we can accelerate the transition to energy systems that benefit all of humanity.
Next week, we'll delve deeper into the philosophical aspects of energy in Beckoning Light, exploring how our pursuit of energy sources has shaped human history and will define our future.
