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Startup control of the TOPAZ-II space nuclear reactor. Master`s thesis

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:445764

The Russian designed and manufactured TOPAZ-II Thermionic Nuclear Space Reactor has been supplied to the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization for study as part of the TOPAZ International Program. A Preliminary Nuclear Safety Assessment investigated the readiness to use the TOPAZ-II in support of a Nuclear Electric Propulsion Space Test Mission (NEPSTP). Among the anticipated system modifications required for launching the TOPAZ-II system within safety goals is for a U.S. designed Automatic Control System. The requirements and desired features of such a control system are developed based upon U.S. safety standards. System theory and design are presented in order to establish the basis for development of a hybrid control model from available simulations. The model is verified and then used in exploration of various control schemes and casualty analysis providing groundwork for future Automatic Control System design.

Research Organization:
Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA (United States)
OSTI ID:
445764
Report Number(s):
AD-A--318044/5/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English