Space Nuclear Propulsion and Power Research
The INSPI research institute, led by Prof. Samim Anghaie, involved in a number of key-aspects related to the investigation and development of space power propulsion. The main research areas are:
- High Temperature Reactor Design
- Energy Conversion Systems
- Fuel Cycles
- Model Development and
Technologies
- Reactor Physics, Thermal Hydraulics, CFD, Advanced Nuclear Fuels and Materials
- Nuclear Power Concepts
- SLHC Nuclear Rocket Engine, XNR2000, ESCORT, Vapor Core Reactor with MHD, and Gas Core Reactor with combined Gas Turbine and Superheated Steam Cycle, Advanced LWRs
History : Rover/NERVA Accomplishments
Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Applications. A project started in 1956 by the US Department of Defense to produce a working nuclear rocket. The NERVA program produced an engine with a core made of graphite rods, each of which was a mixture of uranium/zirconium/carbide in a graphite matrix with small holes running the full length. When the program terminated in 1971, it had achieved a specific impulse of 850 seconds, a quarter of a million pounds of thrust and a 90 minute burn time.
Specific impulse is a measure of the performance of a rocket engine - the higher the number, the more efficient the engine. It measures the thrust obtained from a single kilogram of propellant burned in one second, and is quoted in seconds.
For example, the Saturn V main engine produced 265 seconds, the shuttle 455 seconds, NERVA managed 900 seconds, and Orion would have produced 2000 - 6000 seconds, with 10,000 seconds expected from a full production vehicle.
Nuclear rocket system ready for engine system testing at the US NRDS, Jackass Flats. The reactor and exhaust nozzle are clearly visible above the lettering NRX (Nerva Reactor Experiment).
For more informations on the basics of nuclear propulsion click here.