Probably a stupid car question...

[kandrathe]

Once again, you continue to neglect that you must have a certain amount of material between you and the radiation source, this is something you cannot work around.

Well, no. I'm not suggesting we go without shielding. I'm suggesting we find ways to divide atoms in a manner where the reaction is more predictable and controlled, and based on a "safer" reaction we then shield according to what is needed. If it requires 10 feet of lead to shield it, then the reaction is wrong for our purposes. There are some promising idea's... Hybrid fission/fusion seems like a nice compromise for large reactors, but like hybrid cars, you end up with two systems, more complexity, cost, and need more space. But, if you could control a release of neutrons into natural thorium 232, or uranium 238, then you might direct the direction and number of stray ionizing particles into dense capture materials (and actually "breed" more fuel).

What are your thoughts on traveling wave reactors? It's sort of like the Toshiba 4S, but doesn't need a neutron reflector.

Or how about something like the Hyperion Mini Nuclear Reactor?