Control of Nuclear Aircraft Engines
Abstract
This article is a comprehensive theoretical analysis of nuclear-reactor properties in relation to the basic principles of automatic control of nuclear aircraft engines. Special attention is given to analysis of reactor dynamics and the effect of reactor dynamics on control-system design. The author notes that the control of nuclear aircraft engines involves the question of reactor dynamics in addition to the dynamics of gas-dynamic and mechanical processes associated with a chemically powered jet engine. Reactor dynamics is involved because a variation of nuclear-engine performance is connected with changes of reactor operating regimes. The discussion includes the concept of the reactor period, the derivation of reactor equations, linearization of reactor equations, transfer function and frequency characteristics of alear aircraft engines involves the question of reactor dynamics in addition to the dynamics of gas-dynamic and mechanical processes associated with a chemically powered jet engine. Reactor dynamics is involved because a variation of nuclear-engine performance is connected with changes of reactor operating regimes. The discussion includes the concept of the reactor period, the derivation of reactor equations, linearization of reactor equations, transfer function and frequency characteristics of a reactor, temperature coefficient of reactivity and its effect on reactor properties, and control rods.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 21, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0254407
Entities
Organizations
- Library of Congress