[RightWhale]

Looks like a basic, simple design, the kind of machine that would run forever with no maintenance, or close to it.

[Free the USA]

fyi

[Doctor Stochastic]

Looks like a basic, simple design, the kind of machine that would run forever with no maintenance, or close to it.

Two things: first, it has to be refueled. Uranium doesn't last forever. It does last a long time though. Second, neutrons are released during the fission. These neutrons interact with nearby material and cause small cracks. This makes the material brittle (neutron embrittlement.) Embrittlement may result in component failure.