Initial conceptual design study of self-critical nuclear pumped laser systems
An analytical study of self-critical nuclear pumped laser system concepts was performed. Primary emphasis was placed on reactor concepts employing gaseous uranium hexafluoride (UF6) as the fissionable material. Relationships were developed between the key reactor design parameters including reactor power level, critical mass, neutron flux level, reactor size, operating pressure, and UF6 optical properties. The results were used to select a reference conceptual laser system configuration. In the reference configuration, the 3.2 m cubed lasing volume is surrounded by a graphite internal moderator and a region of heavy water. Results of neutronics calculations yield a critical mass of 4.9 U(235) in the form (235)UF6. The configuration appears capable of operating in a continuous steady-state mode. The average gas temperature in the core is 600 K and the UF6 partial pressure within the lasing volume is 0.34 atm.
- Research Organization:
- United Technologies Research Center, East Hartford, CT (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5533651
- Report Number(s):
- N-79-22875
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Efficient oscillation regimes of an HF laser pumped by a nonchain chemical reaction initiated by a self-sustained discharge
Development of Liquid-Vapor Core Reactors with MHD Generator for Space Power and Propulsion Applications
Related Subjects
210400* -- Power Reactors
Nonbreeding
Otherwise Moderated or Unmoderated
42 ENGINEERING
420300 -- Engineering-- Lasers-- (-1989)
ACTINIDES
CONFIGURATION
CRITICAL MASS
DESIGN
ELEMENTS
FLUID FUELED REACTORS
GAS FUELED REACTORS
HOMOGENEOUS REACTORS
LASERS
METALS
NUCLEAR PUMPING
REACTORS
URANIUM