Uranium-235 Fission: Energy and Daughter Pair Products

Abstract

Nuclear energy production uses the nature of a fissionable isotope to produce thermal energy. Uranium-235 is the most prevalent fuel used for nuclear energy and is used in 99 U.S. facilities and over 300 more operating around the world. When uranium-235 is struck by a free neutron there is a probability that the nucleus will split into two daughter nuclei, multiple excess neutrons and approximately 200 MeV of energy. These neutrons, liberated from the nucleus, are free to induce the fission of other uranium-235 nuclei so that a continued chain reaction of fission events occurs. Sizes of the two large pieces follow a distinct bimodal distribution but are completely random within that distribution. The energy released by fission varies for each individual unique pair of daughter nuclei. This thesis explores the links between unique daughter pairs, number of liberated neutrons, and the energy associated with each. A detailed explanation of a fission event is presented to support tables of fission energy.