Conceptual Engine System Design for NERVA derived 66.7KN and 111.2KN Thrust Nuclear Thermal Rockets

Journal Article · Fri Jan 20 04:00:00 EST 2006 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2169228· OSTI ID:20798003

Fittje, James E ^[1]; Buehrle, Robert J ^[2]

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1. Analex Corporation, Cleveland Ohio (United States)
2. NASA Glenn Research Center, Brookpark Ohio 44135 (United States)

The Nuclear Thermal Rocket concept is being evaluated as an advanced propulsion concept for missions to the moon and Mars. A tremendous effort was undertaken during the 1960's and 1970's to develop and test NERVA derived Nuclear Thermal Rockets in the 111.2 KN to 1112 KN pound thrust class. NASA GRC is leveraging this past NTR investment in their vehicle concepts and mission analysis studies, and has been evaluating NERVA derived engines in the 66.7 KN to the 111.2 KN thrust range. The liquid hydrogen propellant feed system, including the turbopumps, is an essential component of the overall operation of this system. The NASA GRC team is evaluating numerous propellant feed system designs with both single and twin turbopumps. The Nuclear Engine System Simulation code is being exercised to analyze thermodynamic cycle points for these selected concepts. This paper will present propellant feed system concepts and the corresponding thermodynamic cycle points for 66.7 KN and 111.2 KN thrust NTR engine systems. A pump out condition for a twin turbopump concept will also be evaluated, and the NESS code will be assessed against the Small Nuclear Rocket Engine preliminary thermodynamic data.

• OSTI ID: 20798003
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 813; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
DESIGN
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
HYDROGEN
NASA
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PROPULSION
REACTOR OPERATION
REACTORS
ROCKET ENGINES
ROCKETS
SIMULATION
SPACE VEHICLES
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES