2007-03-08 07:08:26 · 4 answers · asked by steve f 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Nuclear facilities (even submarines) carry a core reactor where they can generate millions of watts of power for barely any charge. The problem comes with stability. Technically, the nuclear core reactor can run continuously for thousands of years (I believe a half-life of 5,000 years), but the problem comes with maintenance. For them to keep the reactor cool, clean and running well, they have to give it round-the-clock service so it doesn't create the China Syndrome (look it up, it's actually fascinating). So due to human error, nuclear submarines will only last a century if they are unharmed by any other outside force.
2007-03-08 07:18:47 · answer #1 · answered by johnmfsample 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They dont refuel.. they are generally decomissioned way before the reactor runs out of fuel.. Or at least thats what I heard on the History channel... The same programme stated that the only bar to staying down indefinitly was the food issue.. people gotta eat..
2007-03-08 15:13:46 · answer #2 · answered by darchangel_3 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Classified information. It probably is, but I've heard they can go at least a year continually running.
2007-03-08 15:12:24 · answer #3 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't refuel...they are nuclear powered.
2007-03-08 15:15:37 · answer #4 · answered by outlaw_tattoo_biker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋