Principles of Nuclear Rocket Propulsion

This updated practical guide explains the physical principles underlying the successful design and operation of nuclear fission-based rocket engines

William J. Emrich Jr. (Author)

9780323900300, Elsevier Science

Paperback / softback, published 23 March 2023

426 pages, 160 illustrations (140 in full color)
23.5 x 19 x 2.7 cm, 0.91 kg

Principles of Nuclear Rocket Propulsion, Second Edition continues to put the technical and theoretical aspects of nuclear rocket propulsion into a clear and unified presentation, providing an understanding of the physical principles underlying the design and operation of nuclear fission-based rocket engines. This new edition expands on existing material and adds new topics, such as antimatter propulsion, nuclear rocket startup, new fuel forms, reactor stability, and new advanced reactor concepts. This new edition is for aerospace and nuclear engineers and advanced students interested in nuclear rocket propulsion.

1. Introduction 2. Rocket Engine Fundamentals 3. Nuclear Rocket Engine Cycles 4. Interplanetary Mission Analysis 5. Basic Nuclear Structure and Processes 6. Neutron Flux Energy Distribution 7. Neutron Balance Equation and Transport Theory 8. Multigroup Neutron Diffusion Equations 9. Thermal Fluid Aspects of Nuclear Rockets 10. Turbomachinery 11. Nuclear Reactor Kinetics 12. Nuclear Rocket Stability 13. Fuel Burnup and Transmutation 14. Radiation Shielding of Nuclear Rockets 15. Materials for Nuclear Thermal Rockets 16. Nuclear Rocket Engine Testing 17. Safety Considerations for Nuclear Rocket Engines 18. Advanced Nuclear Rocket Concepts

Subject Areas: Aerospace & aviation technology [TRP], Nuclear power & engineering [THK], Aerodynamics [TGMF1], Nuclear power industries [KNBN]