The advancement of human deep space exploration requires the continued development of energetic in-space propulsion systems, advancing from current chemical engines to nuclear thermal rockets to future high energy concepts such as nuclear fusion. This paper presents the initial results of a NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I study funded to investigate the feasibility of a new pulsed fusion propulsion concept based on the rapid implosion of a fuel target injected at high velocity into a strong stationary magnetic field. The proposed concept takes advantage of the significant advances in terrestrial magneto-inertial fusion designs while attempting to mitigate the most common engineering impediments to in-space propulsion applications. A semi-analytic numerical model used to estimate target compression physics and energy release is presented, leading to estimates for engine performance. A preliminary vehicle design concept is outlined, and representative trajectory analyses for rapid Mars and Saturn missions are provided. The paper concludes with an overview of proposed next steps for theoretical and experimental validation of the concept.


    Zugriff

    Zugriff über TIB

    Verfügbarkeit in meiner Bibliothek prüfen


    Exportieren, teilen und zitieren



    Titel :

    Preliminary Analysis of the Gradient Field Imploding Liner Fusion Propulsion Concept


    Beteiligte:
    LaPointe, M. (Autor:in) / Adams, R. (Autor:in) / Cassibry, J. (Autor:in) / Zweiner, M. (Autor:in) / Gilland, J. (Autor:in)

    Kongress:

    2018 AIAA Propulsion Energy Forum ; 2018 ; Cincinnati, OH, United States


    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2018-07-09


    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Konferenz)


    Format :

    Keine Angabe


    Sprache :

    Englisch




    Preliminary Analysis of the Gradient Field Imploding Liner Fusion Propulsion Concept

    LaPointe, Michael R. / Cassibry, Jason T. / Adams, Robert B. et al. | AIAA | 2018


    Preliminary Analysis of the Gradient Field Imploding Liner Fusion Propulsion Concept

    LaPointe, Mike / Adams, Robert / Cassibry, Jason et al. | NTRS | 2018


    Gradient Field Imploding Liner Fusion Propulsion System

    LaPointe, Mike / Adams, Robert / Cassibry, Jason et al. | NTRS | 2018


    Gradient Field Imploding Liner Fusion Propulsion System

    Lapointe, Mike / Adams, Robert / Cassibry, Jason et al. | NTRS | 2017


    Preliminary Analysis of the Gradient Field Imploding Liner Fusion Propulsion Concept (AIAA 2018-4953)

    LaPointe, Michael R. / Cassibry, Jason T. / Adams, Robert B. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2018