Vortex ring nuclear reactor

Patent · Tue Oct 30 04:00:00 EST 1973

OSTI ID:4388706

Drawbaugh, D W

A fluidized core nuclear reactor particularly adapted for use as a rocket engine is described. A gas or colloidal suspension of fissionable material is supplied to a chamber into which a light propellant gas is injected at selected flow rates and angles so as to form a rotating ring vontex of the fissionable material. In addition, a region of solid fissionable material may be employed with the gaseous fissionable material. When so employed, the solid fissionable material surrounds the fluid filled chamber and is separated therefrom by a''neutron gate'', a moderator and thermal neutron absorber, the latter allowing thermal neutrons to pass only into the fluid filled cavity. The thermal peaking thereby produced in the fluidized region causes the light propellant gas to fluidized fuel ratio to be increased so that the light propellant gas can''suspend'' the heavier fissionable material away from the wall and outlet of the cavity. The light propellant gas is heated by the fissioning material and exits from the cavity through a thrust producing nozzle. Flow directing means cause some divergence of the flow path of the propellant material adjacent to the mouth of the nozzle further enhancing suspension of the fissioning material. (Official Gazette)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-29-011991
• Assignee: to Westinghouse Electric Corp.
• Patent Number(s): US 3768253
• OSTI ID: 4388706
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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