Atomic kiln

An atomic kiln was an early type of atomic reactor used aboard Orcish spacecraft. Examples include the Helion X08 and the OLY-12 Hyperspace Cruiser.

The atomic kiln, when fired up, typically employs an atomic firebox that contains a critical mass radiation source to the rear, which generates and maintains a chain reaction. The critical mass typically consists of a "pile" of fissile material, such as trentadium bricks or uranium pellets separated by graphite blocks. The fuel used depended on what is economically available.

Some of the free neutrons produced by the natural decay of uranium would be absorbed by other uranium atoms, causing nuclear fission of those atoms and the release of additional free neutrons. The graphite between the uranium pellets was a neutron moderator; it slowed the neutrons, increasing the chance they would absorbed.

The controls were rods covered with cadmium foil, which absorbed neutrons. When the rods were inserted into the pile, the cadmium absorbed free neutrons, preventing the chain reaction. As the rods were withdrawn, more neutrons would strike uranium atoms, until a self-sustaining chain reaction developed. Re-inserting the rods would dampen the reaction.

The kiln required an enormous amount of graphite blocks and fissile pellets. Generally, the largest atomic kiln spacecraft contain a large separate fuel storage section. Often, spacecraft working shorter distances do not have a separate fuel storage and carry the fuel in a bunker.

Crew

An atomic kiln spacecraft is normally controlled from the kiln's backhead and the crew is usually protected from the radiation by a cab. A crew of at least two people is normally required to operate the spacecraft. One, the engineer or driver, is responsible for controlling the kiln's starting, stopping and speed with the control rods, and the fireman or kilnman is responsible maintaining the chain reaction, regulating radiation pressure, and monitoring the fissile material, shoveling in more when needed. Due to the historical loss of operational infrastructure and staffing, preserved atomic kiln spacecraft will often have a support crew travelling with the craft.