2006-09-26 08:15:31 · 4 answers · asked by Kenneth K 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
You mean as a nuclear generator?
It's conceivable, but there would always be safety concerns. You'd likely be using a steam engine, and that's heavy and not alot of acceleration.
Better to have a centralized nuclear power station, and charge batteries from the electrical grid.
2006-09-26 08:20:18 · answer #1 · answered by Iridium190 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably not a good choice as an energy source. The classic method of small power generators using radioactive material was for space applications where the distance from the sun got too large to be supplied by solar panels. A 20 pound thermelectric generator supplied 250 watts in a typical satellite application. If the car was to be used for short distances, a battery could supply power for an hour or two for instance, supplemented by a radioisotope generator to supplement the battery, and charge the battery in non operating times.
See: http://www.redorbit.com/news/space/363620/lockheed_martin_thermoelectric_generator_powers_nasa_pluto_new_horizons_probe/index.html?source=r_space
An alternative method might be to generate heat, and operate a Stirling engine.
See:
http://www.kockums.se/Submarines/aipstirling.html
2006-09-26 20:55:57 · answer #2 · answered by Joseph G 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You mean a thermoelectric automobile using Sr-90 as a nuclear fuel, as in space vehicles or remote weather stations? Technically possible, but a disaster if there was a car accident. Better to make stationary big nuclear power plants and run cars using batteries or alcohol hybrids.
2006-09-26 15:29:29 · answer #3 · answered by Kitiany 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Isn't that the stuff when exposed to air turns metal yellow, also I believe its used in fireworks. Highly explosive. I would say no. why?
2006-09-26 15:26:53 · answer #4 · answered by Just me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋