Start-Up Simulation of a Thermionic Space Nuclear Reactor System
- Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (United States). Institute for Space Nuclear Power Studies, Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering
The Thermionic Transient Analysis Model (TITAM) is used in this paper to simulate the start-up of the TOPAZ-II space nuclear power system in orbit. The start-up procedures simulated herein are assumed for the purpose of demonstrating the capabilities of the model and may not represent an accurate account of the actual start-up procedures of the TOPAZ-II system. The temperature reactivity feedback effects of the moderator, UO2 fuel, electrodes, coolant, and other components in the core are calculated and their effects on the thermal and criticality conditions of the reactor are investigated. Also, estimates of the time constants of the temperature reactivity feedback for the UO2 fuel and the Zirconium Hydride (ZrH) moderator during start-up, as well as of the total temperature reactivity feedback as a function of the reactor steady-state thermal power, are obtained.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (United States). Institute for Space Nuclear Power Studies, Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
- OSTI ID:
- 5587776
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-930103--
- Conference Information:
- Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 2 Journal Volume: 271
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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