Nuclear Bi-Brayton System for Aircraft Propulsion Study
Abstract
Parametric and reference system definition studies were performed with respect to a new concept for a nuclear aircraft propulsion system. Also studied was a possible method for increasing the payload of a nuclear powered aircraft during wartime. The Bi-Brayton system concept for nuclear propulsion of aircraft has been examined and found to be feasible. The system has been shown to be one which minimizes the component developments required and one which can make effective use of reactor technologies that already exist. Cycle variants and component characteristics were parametrically evaluated and a reference system defined. Weight estimates indicate that with optimized reactor and shielding, the total powerplant and fuel weight for the Innovative Aircraft Design Study Task II reference aircraft could be reduced from that predicted for a NuERA liquid metal cooled reactor system coupled to an open Brayton cycle turbofan engine. The Bi-Brayton system combined with a compact gas-cooled (NERVA derivative) reactor was found to be a desirable system for nuclear aircraft propulsion and is recommended for consideration in any further studies of nuclear propelled aircraft.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA054672
Entities
People
- B. L. Pierce
- H. D. Coe
- J. A. Christenson
- R. Calvo
- R. E. Thompson
Organizations
- Westinghouse Electric Corporation