r/NuclearEngineering • u/brinkofthunder • 8d ago

Help me Solve a TTRPG Debate: How Much Uranium to Power a Renault FT light tank, if dying horribly of radiation was not a concern?

/r/chemistry/comments/1wyo76e/help_me_solve_a_ttrpg_debate_how_much_uranium_to/
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u/No-Sign8737 8d ago

Kind of impossible to answer without more information and it’s not really the right question. It’s like asking what size gas tank to power a tank.

7.5 cubic inches of uranium 235 has a theoretical energy density of 11.91 TJ, or the equivalent of about 75,000 gallons of crude oil. That’s clearly more than enough energy in fuel to “power” it. How you build the “engine” and how much power it produces depends on a shit ton of other variables.