In this diploma thesis, the development of nuclear naval propulsion on different types of civilian and military vessels will be presented, the challenges it represents to the people and its surroundings. Among other things described in this thesis, will be the difference between reactor types used on nuclear ships through history, accidents on nuclear powered submarines, regulations for civilian nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear-powered plants.
Use of nuclear power for naval purposes is complex and very costly option which requires a lot of knowledge and no room for errors, since past mistakes shown us that it can be very dangerous for the people working on nuclear powered vessels and potentially dangerous for the environment, if any leaks of radioactive materials occur.
The main advantages for nuclear power vessels over conventional propulsion is that they can cover vast distances before the need for changing fuel bundles. Power output is much higher, which allows to move heavier masses through the water.
The main disadvantage of nuclear-powered vessels is initial cost of building, specially trained crew and risks of equipment failure and unintentional errors made by the crew.
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