Compared with chemical in-space rocket engines, the nerva nuclear rocket engine presents several unique operational characteristics. This is particularly true in the post-shutdown phase called 'pulse cooldaown.' at this time liquid hydrogen coolant is tank-pressure fed, the tank being pressurized by gaseous hydrogen. At low reactor cooldown power levels the tank ullage gas can be used as the coolant. Thus, there exists the operational option of using either liquid or gaseous hydrogen for coolant; this can be used to eliminate tank venting and also to minimize fluid residual weight in the tank.
In-flight coolant management considerations for the nerva reactor cooldown
Nuclear Technology ; 12 , 3 ; 298-306
1971
9 Seiten, 4 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 6 Quellen
Article (Journal)
English
ANTRIEB , AUSSCHALTEN , GAS , KERNBRENNSTOFF , KERNREAKTOR , KUEHLUNG , RAKETE , RAUMFAHRT
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