Author Topic: Nuclear Propulsion 101 (Read 8236 times)

FransonUK · « **on:** 01/31/2006 06:01 pm »

A number of us are Shuttle fans, because those ladies look cool, on here

Could someone post a good starting point to understanding how Nuclear propulsion works and why it's a good option?

Go basic, seriously!!

RRP · « **Reply #1 on:** 01/31/2006 06:18 pm »

This isn't exactly propulsion but the link is to a report on the use of nuclear power in space missions: http://www.nuclear.gov/pdf/npspace.pdf

RRP · « **Reply #2 on:** 01/31/2006 06:20 pm »

And though not exactly space, this is one of my favorites, a nuclear jet propelled cruise missile with a core built by Coors...
http://www.nv.doe.gov/library/publications/newsviews/pluto.htm

RRP · « **Reply #3 on:** 01/31/2006 06:24 pm »

FransonUK · « **Reply #4 on:** 02/01/2006 10:01 am »

Thanks, I'll go through those links. Will warn you if long words start to confuse me

braddock · « **Reply #5 on:** 02/01/2006 11:50 am »

The best introduction to nuclear propulsion I've had was the thread Vanilla was running here last month:

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1139&start=1

Also, Vanilla and others recommended the 1985 book "Space Nuclear Power" as a good introduction.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0894640003/sr=1-1/qid=1138558435/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-3504965-5011963?%5Fencoding=UTF8

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #6 on:** 02/01/2006 08:17 pm »

I'm reading up on this too, as it's not my strong point.

simonbp · « **Reply #7 on:** 03/21/2006 02:24 pm »

Ok, question: if you are running super-cool (<20 K) LH2 do you have superfluidity effects? Would the use of LHe further enhance those effects?

Simon

RRP · « **Reply #8 on:** 03/21/2006 03:57 pm »

Vanilla, Thanks for posting that site, it was excellent and very informative. Bookmarked

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #9 on:** 03/21/2006 07:48 pm »

Quote

vanilla - 21/3/2006 2:34 PM

Try this:

http://fti.neep.wisc.edu/neep602/SPRING00/neep602.html

This is very useful. A lot easier to learn from lecture notes, than diagrams and flow charts.