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Principles of Nuclear Rocket Propulsion
The first book to offer an integrated discussion of rocket engine theory and nuclear reactor theory explores the physical principles underlying the design and operation of nuclear fission-based rocket engines, touching upon the novel nuclear pulse rocket concept
William J. Emrich, Jr. (Author)
9780128044742
Paperback / softback, published 26 July 2016
344 pages
23.4 x 19 x 2.2 cm, 0.72 kg
Principles of Nuclear Rocket Propulsion provides an understanding of the physical principles underlying the design and operation of nuclear fission-based rocket engines. While there are numerous texts available describing rocket engine theory and nuclear reactor theory, this is the first book available describing the integration of the two subject areas. Most of the book’s emphasis is primarily on nuclear thermal rocket engines, wherein the energy of a nuclear reactor is used to heat a propellant to high temperatures and then expel it through a nozzle to produce thrust. Other concepts are also touched upon such as a section devoted to the nuclear pulse rocket concept wherein the force of externally detonated nuclear explosions is used to accelerate a spacecraft. Future crewed space missions beyond low earth orbit will almost certainly require propulsion systems with performance levels exceeding that of today’s best chemical engines. A likely candidate for that propulsion system is the solid core Nuclear Thermal Rocket or NTR. Solid core NTR engines are expected to have performance levels which significantly exceed that achievable by any currently conceivable chemical engine. The challenge is in the engineering details of the design which includes not only the thermal, fluid, and mechanical aspects always present in chemical rocket engine development, but also nuclear interactions and some unique materials restrictions.
1. Introduction2. Rocket Engine Fundamentals3. Nuclear Rocket Engine Cycles4. Interplanetary Mission Analysis5. Basic Nuclear Structure and Processes6. Neutron Flux Energy Distribution7. Neutron Balance Equation and Transport Theory8. Multigroup Neutron Diffusion Equations9. Thermal Fluid Aspects of Nuclear Rockets10. Turbomachinery11. Nuclear Reactor Kinetics12. Nuclear Rocket Stability13. Fuel Depletion Implications for Long Duration Operation14. Shielding of Nuclear Rockets15. Materials for Nuclear Thermal Rockets16. Nuclear Rocket Engine Testing17. Advanced Nuclear Rocket Concepts
Subject Areas: Aerospace & aviation technology [TRP], Nuclear power & engineering [THK], Aerodynamics [TGMF1], Nuclear power industries [KNBN]
