CONSIDERATIONS IN THE DESIGN OF A NUCLEAR ROCKET

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1960 · Nuclear Sci. and Eng.

OSTI ID:4173588

Newgard, J J; Levoy, M M

The design of a prototype nuclear rocket is described. For practical systems using uranium-loaded graphite for fuel elements within a graphitic core structure, and hydrogen as core coolant and propellant, it is possible to achieve specific impulses of at least 800 sec. The following items are discussed: (1) design of the reactor core, reflector, and nuclear controls for a prototype design;(2) nuclear, heat transfer, and fluid flow considerations for typical design; and (3) reactor perturbations caused by fuel element ejection, corrosion- erosion, and hydrogen density changes. Some radiation hazards are considered. Nonreactor aspects of the rocket such ss hydrogen handling and the coupling of the reactor to the rocket system are indicated. (auth)

• Research Organization: Thiokol Chemical Corp., Denville, N.J.
• NSA Number: NSA-14-013500
• OSTI ID: 4173588
• Journal Information: Nuclear Sci. and Eng., Journal Name: Nuclear Sci. and Eng. Vol. Vol: 7
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CONFIGURATION
CONTROL SYSTEMS
CORROSION
DENSITY
DISPERSIONS
FLUID FLOW
FUEL ELEMENTS
FUELS
GAS COOLANT
GRAPHITE MODERATOR
HEAT TRANSFER
HYDROGEN
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PLANNING
PROPULSION
RADIATION PROTECTION
REACTIVITY
REACTOR CORE
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
REFLECTORS
ROCKETS
VARIATIONS