Nuclear-Powered Flight. Chapter 2: Nuclear Reactors for Rockets and Ram-Jets

Abstract

We consider the slow-neutron reactor fueled with enriched fissionable material (U235 or Pu239) mixed in a moderator. We dispense with the use of a tamper because the tamper adds to the total weight and size of the reactor. The assumed surface temperature of the reactor is 3000 degrees K at full power. Important factors in the neutron design of a reactor for power production are: a. The critical dimensions, b. The total mass of fissionable material, c. Extra uranium for control and the time of response to the controls, d. The effects of poisoning by the products, e. Depletion of uranium.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 14, 1947
Accession Number
AD1185489

Entities

People

  • Arthur E. Ruark
  • George Gamow
  • Nicholas M Jr Smith
  • R. B. Roberts

Organizations

  • Johns Hopkins University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Beta Decay
  • Energy
  • Equations
  • Exhaust Gases
  • Fast Neutrons
  • Fission
  • Fissionable Materials
  • Gases
  • Heat Energy
  • Heat Transfer
  • Lepidoptera
  • Materials
  • Neutrons
  • Poisoning
  • Surface Temperature
  • Thermal Efficiency
  • Thermal Neutrons

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.