Nuclear Fallout

Nuclear Fallout is the gaseous form of Liquid Nuclear Waste produced and encountered in advanced nuclear systems. It appears when Liquid Nuclear Waste vaporizes or is emitted directly by sources such as Radbolt Engines and energetic reactor events. In the context of the Research Reactor, Nuclear Fallout is generated both during normal operation (as part of expelled reactor effluent) and more dramatically during a meltdown, when the reactor leaks Nuclear Waste and part of that waste vaporizes into Nuclear Fallout while Corium debris and Radioactive Contaminants are expelled.

Nuclear Fallout is a highly energetic, radiative medium with gameplay consequences for heat transfer, radiation harvesting, and containment. The gas condenses back into Liquid Nuclear Waste at approximately 66.9 °C and vaporizes at about 526.9 °C, which gives it exceptional utility for high-temperature heat deletion: condensing large masses of vapor back to liquid absorbs large amounts of heat. The liquid form (Liquid Nuclear Waste) has a very high specific heat capacity of 7.44 DTU/g/°C and thermal conductivity of 6 DTU/(m·s)/°C, second only to a few other materials; this high specific heat makes the substance an excellent high-temperature coolant, and it is commonly used in Research Reactor cooling designs. Cooling 10 kg of Nuclear Fallout from 528.9 °C to 64.9 °C removes about 1,229.6 kDTU, while heating 10 kg from 64.9 °C to 528.9 °C adds about 34,521.6 kDTU, illustrating the very large energy exchange involved when the material changes phase and temperature.

Production sources include direct generation by the Research Reactor, vaporization of spilled or expelled Liquid Nuclear Waste during reactor events, emissions from Radbolt Engines and projectiles (radbolt projectiles produce 1 g per hit when they collide with certain objects), and critters such as beetas (a beeta drops 1000 g on death; beeta hives reliably produce larvae and thereby steady small-volume supply). Reactor meltdowns drastically amplify production: when Enriched Uranium reaches extreme temperatures the reactor begins meltdown, launches Corium fragments containing Radioactive Contaminants, and leaks Nuclear Waste and Nuclear Fallout.

Nuclear Fallout and its liquid form emit radiation that can be harvested by Radbolt Generators, though radiation output falls as Radioactive Contaminants decay. The liquid stored inside Liquid Reservoirs does not emit radiation or offgas; however, when stored in ordinary containers under normal circumstances Liquid Nuclear Waste tends to corrode and leak, often ejecting and duplicating material due to a known spontaneous-ejection behavior (each duplication event typically duplicates roughly 39.6–53 g). Containers, Thermo Aquatuners, and Liquid Pumps can leak or suffer corrosion unless their lower tiles are submerged in at least 1000 kg of a gas or liquid to prevent exposure and damage.

Practical notes and interactions:

• Treat Nuclear Fallout as the vapor phase of Liquid Nuclear Waste; design systems for both phase behavior and high-temperature phase changes.
• Use Liquid Nuclear Waste as a high-capacity coolant in Research Reactor designs, but plan for the large heat load when the fluid condenses.
• Avoid storing large quantities in early-game containers; prefer open pools in remote locations or properly engineered reservoirs submerged to prevent corrosion and leaks.
• Nuclear Fallout and liquid waste give off radiation useful for Radbolt Generators; storing waste inside Liquid Reservoirs suppresses emissions if you need to limit radiation.
• Be aware of duplication/explosion mechanics from container offgassing and spontaneous ejections; dispose or regulate waste to prevent uncontrolled accumulation.