Nuclear Engineering ETDs
Publication Date
5-1995
Abstract
This dissertation presents a detailed thermalhydraulics analysis of the unit-cell derivative of the Nuclear Light Bulb (NLB) rocket engine. The NLB engine is a gas core nuclear rocket first proposed in the 1960's by the then-United Aircraft Research Laboratories (UARL); its unit-cell derivative consists of a low-temperature moderator/reflector as well as segmented propellant channels, both proposed with the intent of increasing the keff of the system.
The results of this work can be grouped into two major areas: (1) thermal and neutronics analysis of the engine, and (2) investigation of the feasibility of the engine over a wide range of operating conditions. This work is believed to comprise the first comprehensive analysis of the unit-cell NLB derivative. The unit-cell derivative, although first proposed in the early 1970's, has never been analyzed in detail, and most associated parameters are based on an assumed thermal and neutronics behavior of the engine. No significant work has been performed with regard to the engine since termination of gas core research efforts in 1973, so the feasibility of the concept was never proven.
Document Type
Dissertation
Language
English
Degree Name
Nuclear Engineering
Level of Degree
Doctoral
Department Name
Nuclear Engineering
First Committee Member (Chair)
A. Sharif Heger
Second Committee Member
Norman F. Roderick
Third Committee Member
Robert D. Busch
Fourth Committee Member
Arsalan Razani
Recommended Citation
Banjac, Vojislav. "ThermalHydraulics Analysis of the Unit-Cell Nuclear Light Bulb Rocket Engine." (1995). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/ne_etds/79