This paper describes the use of detailed multidisciplinary fluid/thermal/ structural/neutronic simulations to predict performance of the nuclear fuel elements of a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion rocket reactor. To achieve maximum performance, a rocket reactor's fuel must operate near thermal hydraulic, structural and neutronic limits where multidisciplinary interactions are important. Yet physical testing is expensive, time- consuming and risky. Lower-fidelity correlations (heat transfer) and simulations have always existed for design, and one role of detailed numerical analysis is to confirm correlation validity and accuracy. For complex and subtle issues, detailed numerical simulations may prove their value. The paper gives examples of both of these situations. Limitations of the methods and potential extensions will be explored.


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    Title :

    Thermal, Fluid and Neutronic Analysis of an LEU Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Core


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    AIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum ; 2019 ; Indianapolis, IN, United States


    Publication date :

    2019-08-19


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English






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