A number of nuclear propulsion concepts based on solid-core nuclear propulsion are being evaluated for a nuclear propulsion transportation system to support the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) involving the reestablishment of a manned lunar base and the subsequent exploration of Mars. These systems will require high-temperature materials to meet the operating conditions with appropriate reliability and safety built into these systems through the selection and testing of appropriate materials. The application of materials for nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) systems and the feasibility issues identified for their use will be discussed. Some mechanical property measurements have been obtained, and compatibility tests were conducted to help identify feasibility issues. 3 refs., 1 fig., 4 tabs.
Heat resistant materials and their feasibility issues for a space nuclear transportation system
1991
20 pages
Report
No indication
English
Nuclear Auxiliary Power Systems , Nuclear Propulsion , Ceramics, Refractories, & Glass , Alloys , Heat Resistant Materials , Propulsion Systems , Reactor Materials , Space Propulsion Reactors , Space Vehicles , Thermionic Reactors , Carbides , Coatings , Composite Materials , Feasibility Studies , Luna Space Probes , Mars Space Probes , Mass , Mechanical Properties , Mission Analysis , Molybdenum Base Alloys , NASA , Nickel Base Alloys , Niobium Base Alloys , Nuclear Fuels , Rhenium , Rhenium Base Alloys , Stainless Steels , Tantalum Base Alloys , Tungsten Base Alloys , Meetings , EDB/220800 , EDB/360203 , EDB/300304
NTIS | 1978
Automotive engineering | 2002
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