Browse Topic: Nuclear fuel

Items (31)

Nuclear powered air-breathing electric thrusters used in UAV for extra-terrestrial applications

2022-26-124205/26/2022

With an interest in space exploration developing at a remarkable rate in the course of the most recent couple of years, it has become a daunting task to explore the different planets because of hostile environmental conditions present on them and here UAVs play a critical role. This paper aims to study and develop Unmanned Aerial Vehicles that run using motors & electric thrusters and uses nuclear fuel Plutonium-238 (238Pu) as their power generation source. The UAV being ideated plans to operate both in earth's atmosphere and extra-terrestrial space. The heat from the decay of 238Pu is extracted by using Multi-Mission Radio Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTGs) using thermocouples thus providing electricity. The idea of utilizing MMRTG in UAVs has been proposed as it works well in both the space vacuum and the planetary atmosphere. The heat energy from the MMRTG can be utilized as a consistent wellspring to keep up with appropriate working temperatures for a UAV and its instruments in cold

Bhurat, Shryas, Shetty, Naman, Das, Shubham

Assessment of Non-Traditional Isotopic Ratios by Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Nuclear Activities

TBMG-2738408/01/2017

The objective of this work is to identify isotopic ratios suitable for analysis via mass spectrometry that distinguish between commercial nuclear reactor fuel cycles, fuel cycles for weapons grade plutonium, and products from nuclear weapons explosions. Methods will also be determined to distinguish the above from medical and industrial radionuclide sources.

Alternative fuels and challenges

17MEIP06_0106/01/2017

As of today, most transport vehicles use petroleum-based fuels. Although there are alternative-fueled technology demonstrators such as the Mahindra E2O or Tesla battery-electric models currently available, it will take time for these alternatives to compete with petroleum-based fuels and achieve commercial acceptance. A selection of various transport vehicles and the fuels typically used to power them: Cars and motorcycles/scooters: gasoline, diesel, CNG, LPG, battery-electric Commercial trucks: diesel Buses: diesel, CNG, battery-electric Rail: electricity, diesel, coal Small aircraft with reciprocating-engines: gasoline or Avgas Larger aircraft with turbine engines: jet fuel or kerosene

Assessment of Non-Traditional Isotopic Ratios by Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Nuclear Activities

17AERP08_1006/01/2017

Technique can be used to distinguish between commercial nuclear reactor fuel cycles, fuel cycles for weapons grade plutonium, and products from nuclear weapons explosions. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia The objective of this work is to identify isotopic ratios suitable for analysis via mass spectrometry that distinguish between commercial nuclear reactor fuel cycles, fuel cycles for weapons grade plutonium, and products from nuclear weapons explosions. Methods will also be determined to distinguish the above from medical and industrial radionuclide sources. There are many sources for radionuclides in our environment. These include natural sources, the commercial nuclear industry, nuclear weapons, the medical industry, and other sources. Often times, the source of the radionuclide may be determined through just identification of the radionuclide. If radionuclides are produced through different sources, the identification of the source is complex. In order to

Fluid Harmonic Absorber

TBMG-2518108/01/2016

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s Fluid Structure Coupling (FSC) technology is a highly efficient and passive method to control the way fluids and structures communicate and dictate the behavior of a system. This technology has the demonstrated potential to mitigate a multitude of different types of vibration issues, and can be applied anywhere internal or external fluids interact with physical structures. For example, in a multistory building, water from a rooftop tank or swimming pool could be used to mitigate seismic or wind-induced vibration by simply adding an FSC device that controls the way the building engages the water.

A Theoretical Approach of UNIT (Unified Nuclear Integral Technology) Propulsion and its Potential for Future Applications in Space Exploration

2015-01-900409/01/2015

Space exploration is the present inevitable challenge for researchers. Various theoretical propulsion concepts have been evolved over the past years for space missions. Their potential remains as a key factor for the spacecraft to travel deeper into space in a shorter mission duration. The propulsion concept UNIT is an integrated nuclear propulsion technique that provides high entry, descent and landing (EDL) performance in such short duration to conquer other galaxies. This paper describes the theoretical approach of the UNIT propulsion system in detail. UNIT produces the highest energy possible by consuming nuclear fuel and possess the highest potential that opens new opportunities for space exploration. The principle is that the neutrons from the fusion are deliberately allowed to induce fission. It uses National Ignition Facility's laser beam for inertial confinement fusion followed by utilizing the power from tubular solid fuel cell. Thus, the net thrust is produced from the

Dran, Sarath Ramachan

Radioisotope System Keeps Mars Rover Moving

TBMG-1661406/01/2013

The instruments aboard NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory “Curiosity” rover receive their power from a radioisotope system assembled and tested at Idaho National Laboratory. The Multi- Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator is a “space battery” that can reliably power a deep space mission for many years.

Qualifying Software for Nuclear-Safety-Related Calculations

TBMG-TB-00566209/04/2009

Following quality assurance procedures ensures that software used to perform analysis is producing the intended results. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) is the highest- flux reactor-based source of neutrons for condensed-matter research in the US. Thermal and cold neutrons produced by HFIR are used to study physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, and biology, as well as produce unique radioactive isotopes for industry and research. As mandated by the DOE, ORNL must perform software quality assurance (SQA) procedures with special attention to nuclear-safety-related software applicable to the HFIR. The SQA process is followed to assure that the software used to perform an analysis is producing the intended results. The DOE requires that all software in their facilities satisfy a graded approach to SQA. For software used to perform nuclear-safety-related analysis, these requirements are more extensive.

Grooved Fuel Rings for Nuclear Thermal Rocket Engines

TBMG-354502/01/2009

An alternative design concept for nuclear thermal rocket engines for interplanetary spacecraft calls for the use of grooved-ring fuel elements. Beyond spacecraft rocket engines, this concept also has potential for the design of terrestrial and spacecraft nuclear electric-power plants.

Improved Operation of CO ₂ Separator for Preventing Increases in CO ₂ Concentration of Air in the Habitation Room during Closed Habitation Experiments

2007-01-309707/09/2007

The main objective of the activities of the Closed Ecology Experiment Facilities (CEEF) is to construct a mathematical model to predict the transfer of radiocarbon (14C) released from a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in the village of Rokkasho into the local ecosystem. For this purpose, an artificial ecosystem, including crops, domestic animals, and human inhabitants, needs to be maintained in the CEEF for several months. As a preparatory study, two-week habitation experiments using the CEEF were planned in 2006. In the first habitation experiment, a CO2 separator was continuously operated with a cycle of 60-minute adsorption and 60-minute desorption periods in order to remove excess CO2 from the habitation room, and the maximum CO2 concentration of air in this room slightly exceeded 5000 ppm, which was identical to the maximum 8-hour exposure permitted for industrial settings. In the second habitation experiment, therefore, the duration of both the adsorption and desorption periods

Tani, Takashi, Tsuga, Shouichi, Tako, Yasuhiro

Dielectric Heaters for Testing Spacecraft Nuclear Reactors

TBMG-40502/01/2006

Like the electrical-resistance heaters used heretofore for such testing, the dielectric heaters would be inserted in the reactors in place of nuclear fuel rods. A typical heater according to the proposal would consist of a rod of lossy dielectric material sized and shaped like a fuel rod and containing an electrically conductive rod along its center line. Exploiting the dielectric loss mechanism that is usually considered a nuisance in other applications, an RF signal, typically at a frequency =50 MHz and an amplitude between 2 and 5 kV, would be applied to the central conductor to heat the dielectric material. The main advantage of the proposal is that the wiring needed for the RF dielectric heating would be simpler and easier to fabricate than is the wiring needed for resistance heating. In some applications, it might be possible to eliminate all heater wiring and, instead, beam the RF heating power into the dielectric rods from external antennas.

Estimation of Water Circulation Based on Experimental Results from Sequential Crop Cultivation, Closed Goat Breeding and Simulated Habitation Using CEEF

2004-01-234907/19/2004

Closed habitation experiments are to be carried out using Closed Ecology Experiment Facilities (CEEF) from FY2005 to FY2009. The last target of duration of closed habitation is four months. Preliminary study and testing have been conducted in order to carry out the closed habitation experiments. The CEEF has three closed plantation chambers (PC-A, B and C) with artificial lighting solely having each cultivation area of 30 m2 and a closed plantation chamber (PC-F) with both natural lighting and supplemental artificial lighting having a 60-m2 cultivation area. A ‘stable’ period of sequential crop cultivation was maintained for four weeks in a trial experiment conducted in FY2003 using the Plantation Module (PM), in which rice, soybean and crops including rice sapling, soybean sapling, soybean, peanuts and safflower were cultivated in PC-A, PC-B, PC-C and PC-F, respectively. Amount of total clean water input to PM was 741 L day−1 on the average for the period. That includes 645 L day−1 of

Tako, Yasuhiro, Tsuga, Shou-ichi, Arai, Ryuji, Tani, Takashi, Honda, Go, Nitta, Keiji

Matching of Gas Metabolism among Crop Community, Human and Animal in the CEEF

2003-01-245207/07/2003

Rating of daily amounts of CO2 and O2 exchange of crops, animals and humans to be involved in the long-term habitation experiments using the Closed Ecology Experiment Facilities (CEEF) were carried out. Daily amounts of the CO2-absorption and O2-generation of crops including rice, soybeans and other 27 vegetables were estimated from data obtained from a sequential crop cultivation experiment conducted from August to December of FY2001. Daily amounts of O2-consumption and CO2-expiration of two female Shiba goats to be involved were estimated based on gas exchange determination conducted in FY2002. Daily amounts of CO2-expiration and O2-consumption of two persons to be involved were estimated based on correlation between respiration rate and heart rate, heart rate data during the simulated habitation in the CEEF and a tentative work schedule. In order to discuss about whole material circulation, it is necessary to accumulate more data on rates of O2-consumption and CO2-generation of the

Tako, Yasuhiro, Honda, Go, Komatsubara, Osam, Shinohara, Masanori, Arai, Ryuji, Nitta, Keiji

Development of Lightweight Radiators for Lunar Based Power Systems

94132706/01/1994

This report discusses application of a new lightweight carbon-carbon (C-C) space radiator technology developed under the NASA Civil Space Technology Initiative (CSTI) High Capacity Power Program to a 20 kWe lunar based power system. This system comprises a nuclear (SP-100 derivative) heat source, a Closed Brayton Cycle (CBC) power conversion unit with heat rejection by means of a plane radiator. The new radiator concept is based on a C-C composite heat pipe with integrally woven fins and a thin walled metallic liner for containment of the working fluid. Using measured areal specific mass values (1.5 kg/m2) for flat plate radiators, comparative CBC power system mass and performance calculations show significant advantages if conventional heat pipes for space radiators are replaced by the new C-C heat pipe technology.

Juhasz, Albert J., Bloomfield, Harvey S.

Nuclear Fuels for Very High Temperature Applications

92907708/03/1992

The success of the development of nuclear thermal propulsion devices and thermionic space nuclear power generation systems depends on the successful utilization of nuclear fuel materials at temperatures in the range 2000 to 3500 K. Problems associated with the utilization of uranium bearing fuel materials at these very high temperatures while maintaining them in the solid state for the required operating times are addressed. The critical issues addressed include evaporation, melting, reactor neutron spectrum, high temperature chemical stability, fabrication, fission induced swelling, fission product release, high temperature creep, thermal shock resistance, and fuel density, both mass and fissile atom. Candidate fuel materials for this temperature range are based on UO2 or uranium carbides. Evaporation suppression, such as a sealed cladding, is required for either fuel base. Nuclear performance data needed for design are sparse for all candidate fuel forms in this temperature range

Lundberg, L. B., Hobbins, R. R.

10 KWe Dual-Mode Space Nuclear Power System for Military and Scientific Applications

92907208/03/1992

A 10 KWe dual-mode space power system concept has been identified which is based on INEL's Small Externally-fueled Heat Pipe Thermionic Reactor (SEHPTR) concept. This power system will enhance user capabilities by providing reliable electric power and by providing two propulsion systems; electric power for an arc-jet electric propulsion system and direct thrust by heating hydrogen propellant inside the reactor. The low thrust electric thrusters allow efficient station keeping and long-term maneuvering. The direct thrust capability can provide tens of pounds of thrust at a specific impulse of around 730 seconds for maneuvers that must be performed more rapidly. The direct thrust allows the nuclear power system to move a payload from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) in less than one month using approximately half the propellant of a cryogenic chemical stage. The low mass of the power system (approximately 1000 Kg) allows it to be used with payloads launched from

Malloy, John, Westerman, Kurt, Rochow, Richard, Scoles, Stephen

Partial Radiation Insulated Diode (PRID) for Space Nuclear Power Systems

92913308/03/1992

The in-core thermionic nuclear reactor is a leading candidate for low power space systems requirements. The thermionic converters are static devices which convert heat directly to electricity in the form of high current, low voltage output power. The nuclear fuel cladding is used as the emitting electrode and is surrounded with close spacing by the collector electrode. The stability and lifetime of the system depend on the maintenance of the interelectrode gap established by the resulting coaxial geometry. Emitter distortion, therefore, can be a life-limiting factor. This is exacerbated by high emitter temperature and high fuel power density present in typical applications. In the particular case of low nuclear power level systems, the added complexity of a fast driver core section is necessary to ensure sufficient excess reactivity for power control. A modification of the present TFE provides design flexibility which allows trade-offs to be made among emitter distortion, emitter

Hatch, G. L., McVey, J. B., Fitzpatrick, G. O., Allen, D. T.

SPACE-R: A Fully Testable Nuclear Space Power System with Advanced Core-Length Single Cell Thermionic Fuel Elements

92923608/03/1992

The Space Power Advanced Core-Length Element Reactor (SPACE-R) System is a moderated core fueled by uranium oxide. The baseline power level is 40 kWe with a system life of 10 years. The system is launched without radioactivity and is designed to meet all U.S. and international public safety and environmental protection objectives with minimum loading of fissionable 235U and minimum proliferation potential. The key feature of the SPACER system is the core-length, single-cell thermionic fuel element (TFE). The open end of the emitter cavity permits an electrical heater to be inserted for full power operational testing of each TFE and the entire reactor assembly before the UO2 fuel is loaded. The current design is based upon technologies, materials, components, and temperatures that have been space flight proven within the U.S. SNAP reactor program, and the Soviet Topaz reactor programs.

Rhee, Hyop S., Wetch, Joseph R., Gunther, Norman G., Zheng, Cinian M., Britt, Edward J., Schmidt, Glen L.

Sealability of Spring-Energized Elastic Metal Gaskets

87000402/01/1987

This paper describes the experimental results of a type of spring -energized elastic metal gaskets consisting of a helical core spring wrapped with a soft metal envelope for the application to cask seals. Tests were carried out to evaluate the seal life by means of a relaxation curve and to make clear the sealing reliability under thermal stresses by using a helium leak detector with a sensitivity of 1×10−10 - 6×10−11 torr·1/sec, resulted in satisfactory to the applications intended for the gaskets.

Nishida, Takahito

The Clinton Power Station Project

77050502/01/1977

The Clinton Power Station Project is described from the planning to the construction stage, which is now in progress. The earthmoving required, particularly by the powerplant's most unique feature, a 5000 acre cooling lake, is detailed. A rationale for selecting nuclear power for this station is also presented.

Womeldorff, P. J.

Hydrogen Automotive Fuel: Production and Delivery

76056802/01/1976

Today's principal and cheapest source of hydrogen in the United States, steam-reformed natural gas, does not have attractive prospects in the far-term future. Alternative procedures or processes therefore are in various phases of research and development. Hydrogen can be produced by the electrolysis of water, and production of hydrogen from coal and water is under study. Thermochemical, photochemical, and biochemical procedures are being researched as long-term routes to hydrogen. Feasibility studies indicate the possibility of long-distance transmission of hydrogen gas via pipeline. Local distribution of hydrogen fuel presents a major problem that requires investigation and development. Technically and economically, other synthetic fuels, such as liquid hydrocarbons from coal or oil shale, are favored alternative automotive fuels for the mid-term future.

Pangborn, J. B., Donakowski, T. D.

Total Energy Situation in the United States

73051402/01/1973

In the past 20 years in the United States, the demand for energy has doubled, and it is expected to increase by 3.6% annually until the end of the twentieth century. This paper discusses the implications of the increased demand, and the resources needed to meet it. Nuclear power is seen as a partial answer, as is low-sulfur coal. Some untapped oil reserves are available in the United States, but oil will undoubtedly have to be imported to meet the demand. A concerted effort to conserve energy is needed to help hold imports to acceptable levels.

Oliver, David R.

Ultrasonic Holography in Nondestructive Testing

70059902/01/1970

The ultrasonic holographic principle is described and several methods of producing ultrasonic holograms are outlined. A recently developed Holographic Ultrasonic Imager using a liquid-surface detector is described in detail. The instrument permits real-time imaging of test objects as they are moved through the ultrasonic field of view. Advantages of the instrument are discussed. The results of typical nondestructive test applications in metals, plastics, ceramics and composites are presented.

Goodwin, L. E., Lovett, Robert S.

Minimum-volume Gas-cooled Nuclear Heat Exchangers

61032601/01/1961

Fulton, C. D., Thomson, W. B.

NUCLEAR ROCKETS FOR LIFTING MANNED STATIONS INTO SPACE

60028901/01/1960

CROUCH, HOLMES F.

Automotive Nuclear-Heat Engines and Associated High-Temperature Materials

57003601/01/1957

APPLICATION of nuclear energy for civilian automotive uses has possibilities, these authors say. Nuclear power for automotive applications, they feel, is technically feasible now where size and weight are not prime considerations; where size and weight are major parameters, discoveries of new materials for construction of nuclear-power reactors must be made. New materials are needed for reactor fuels, heat extractants, neutron reflectors, reactor construction materials, controls, and radiation shields which must have unique nuclear properties in addition to conventional engineering properties. This paper presents nuclear automotive propulsion devices in terms of technologies now available. The necessary radiation-shielding mass and weight requirements are presented for an ideal point-source nuclear-heat-power engine.

Schwartz, F. L, Ohlgren, H. A.

NUCLEAR POWER IN THE AIR OF TOMORROW

56027201/01/1956

OHLINGER, LEE A.

Nuclear Power and the Machinery Builder

56005301/01/1956

IN LIGHT of the world's continually increasing demand for electric power and the attendant decrease in economically recoverable fossil fuels, the need for nuclear powerplants becomes all the more pressing. The author briefly covers in a general way several developments in design of different reactor types. Some problems inherent in generating power from fissionable isotopes are mentioned, together with the solutions which will enable the realization of electric current generation from the “burning” of nuclear fuels. Some startling theoretical schemes are mentioned which bid fair to making the generation and transmission of electric current in the future so different from our present methods as to mark the coming of age of yesterday's and today's science fiction.

Allen, R. C.

THE POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY TO THE FIELD OF ATOMIC ENERGY

55001101/01/1955

TAMMARO, A.

THE FUTURE OF ATOMIC ENERGY IN INDUSTRY

53002601/01/1953

CISLER, WALKER L.

ATOMIC POWER And Aircraft Propulsion

49017301/01/1949

AFTER outlining the fundamental physical background for the release of atomic energy, the author shows that the high concentration of energy and the high cost and relative scarcity of atomic fuels mark them for use where there is a high premium on performance, rather than on direct cost per unit of power. This makes atomic energy attractive for aircraft propulsion, where it could combine high performance with large payload and long range. Chief obstacles in design of an atomic aircraft engine are development of light-weight shielding against deadly radiations; adequate cans to retain radioactive fission products; a pile capable of operating at high temperature and high thermal stresses; and a safe, flexible control mechanism.

Kalitinsky, Andrew

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