IMPULSE - advanced nuclear thermal propulsion

Journal Article · Fri Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society

OSTI ID:107265

Ivanenok, III, J F; Wett, J F ^[1]

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1. Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)

The IMPULSE nuclear thermal rocket concept provides an evolutionary step toward high thrust-to-weight and specific impulse over a wide operating range. Most of the components and features of the concept are based on demonstrated or proven technology from the NER VA/Rover program. The performance increase is due to the use of a new solid nuclear fuel shape. The new fuel shape provides a large flow area while maintaining flow control and eliminating hot spots due to fuel-to-fuel contact. The control and eliminating hot spots due to fuel-to-fuel contact. The IMPULSE reactor utilizes a multi-pass, series flow configuration to provide excess turbine power while improving the thermal efficiency of the overall system. This configuration also provides a large area for moderator. The IMPULSE concept can provide a specific impulse of up to 1000 seconds and trust to weight ratios approaching 40. The improved performance will reduce the Initial Mass In Low Earth Orbit (IMLEO) and provide a consequent reduction in launch costs and logistics problems.

• OSTI ID: 107265
• Report Number(s): CONF-920957--
• Journal Information: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Journal Issue: Suppl.1 Vol. 67; ISSN 0003-018X; ISSN TANSAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
CONICAL CONFIGURATION
DESIGN
FUEL ASSEMBLIES
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
SPACE PROPULSION REACTORS
THERMAL EFFICIENCY
WEIGHT