Como FUNCIONA o SUBMARINO NUCLEAR BRASILEIRO?

Summary

This video explores the inner workings of Brazil's nuclear submarine, offering a detailed look at its design, components, and technology. The host tours a model of the submarine at the Brazilian Navy's technology center, explaining how it operates, from its nuclear propulsion system to its reaktor. Unlike traditional submarines, this nuclear-powered vessel can stay submerged for up to three months without needing external fuel. It also highlights Brazil's significant technological achievement in developing this submarine, set to be operational by 2031, with the country being one of the few to master nuclear-powered submarine technology.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Brazilian nuclear submarine is a unique technological achievement, combining nuclear propulsion with advanced naval design.
• 😀 The submarine operates with nuclear power, which allows it to stay submerged for up to three months without resurfacing for oxygen or fuel.
• 😀 The submarine’s core feature is a miniaturized nuclear reactor that uses enriched uranium to generate heat, which is then converted into steam to power turbines and generate electricity.
• 😀 Unlike traditional diesel-powered submarines, the Brazilian nuclear submarine does not require frequent refueling, offering significant operational advantages.
• 😀 The reactor system includes control rods that regulate the fission process to adjust the submarine’s power output, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
• 😀 The submarine is designed with multiple decks for crew accommodations, torpedo storage, and essential operational systems, maximizing space efficiency.
• 😀 It is faster than conventional submarines, reaching speeds of 45 km/h (25 knots), compared to the 12 km/h (6 knots) of diesel submarines.
• 😀 The reactor is housed within a compact space, with a diameter of just 9.8 meters, which presents a significant engineering challenge.
• 😀 Brazil is the seventh country in the world to develop a nuclear-powered submarine, with its technology being custom-developed due to a lack of commercial suppliers for such reactors.
• 😀 The project began in 2012 as part of an agreement between Brazil and France, and the submarine is expected to be completed by 2031, with construction already underway.
• 😀 Brazil’s approach involves leveraging knowledge gained from building conventional submarines, which will aid in the construction of the nuclear-powered version.

Q & A

What is the primary advantage of a nuclear submarine over a traditional one?

A nuclear submarine can stay submerged for extended periods, up to three months, without the need for fuel or oxygen intake from the surface, as it generates its own oxygen and uses nuclear power for propulsion.

How does the Brazilian nuclear submarine generate power?

The submarine generates power through a small nuclear reactor. The reactor uses enriched uranium to produce heat, which is then converted into electricity using a turbine connected to a generator.

What is the role of the reactor in the Brazilian nuclear submarine?

The reactor acts as a miniature nuclear power plant, providing the necessary energy for propulsion and systems. The reactor heats water to generate steam, which drives turbines to produce electricity.

How does the Brazilian nuclear submarine manage its oxygen supply?

The submarine generates oxygen by breaking down seawater into oxygen and hydrogen. This process, called electrolysis, ensures that the crew has a continuous supply of breathable air without needing to surface.

What is the expected lifespan of the fuel used in the Brazilian nuclear submarine's reactor?

The reactor's fuel is expected to last for 15 years without needing to be replaced, which is a significant advantage over conventional submarines that require more frequent refueling.

How is the size of the Brazilian nuclear submarine's reactor managed?

The reactor's size is limited by the compact nature of the submarine. Despite its small size (9.8 meters in diameter), advanced technology is used to ensure that it fits within the submarine while providing the required power.

What is the role of the submarine's hydroplanes?

Hydroplanes on the submarine help to stabilize and control its depth, similar to the tail of an airplane. They allow the submarine to maneuver up and down while submerged.

Why is Brazil's development of a nuclear submarine significant?

Brazil is only the seventh country in the world to develop a nuclear submarine, marking a significant achievement in military technology. This submarine provides Brazil with advanced capabilities for underwater defense.

What are the primary components of the Brazilian nuclear submarine?

The submarine consists of a nuclear reactor, batteries, torpedo rooms, command centers, and living quarters. It also includes various systems for power generation, oxygen production, and navigation.

When is the Brazilian nuclear submarine expected to be operational?

The Brazilian nuclear submarine is expected to be operational by 2031, with ongoing construction and technological developments taking place at the naval base in Itaguaí.