Feasibility study of a contained pulsed nuclear propulsion engine
- Texas A M Univ., College Station, TX (United States)
The result of a feasibility analysis of a contained pulsed nuclear propulsion (CPNP) engine concept utilizing the enormously dense energy generated by small nuclear detonations is presented in this article. This concept was initially proposed and studied in the 1950s and 1960s under the program name HELIOS. The current feasibility of the concept is based upon materials technology that has advanced to a state that allows the design of pressure vessels required to contain the blast associated with small nuclear detonations. The impulsive nature of the energy source provides the means for circumventing the materials thermal barriers that are inherent in steady-state nuclear propulsion concepts. The rapid energy transfer to the propellant results in high thrust levels for times less than 1 s following the detonation. The preliminary feasibility analysis using off-the-shelf materials technology appears to indicate that the CPNP concept can have thrust-to-weight ratios on the order of 1 or greater. Though the specific impulse is not a good indicator for impulsive engines, an operating-cycle averaged specific impulse of approximately 1000 or greater seconds was calculated. 16 refs.
- OSTI ID:
- 6990016
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Propulsion and Power; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Propulsion and Power; (United States) Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 10:2; ISSN 0748-4658; ISSN JPPOEL
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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