High Energy Propulsion System (HEPS) Analysis
Abstract
Deep space missions will require high specific impulse (I sub sp) and large changes in velocity (Delta v). The compact energy storage of nuclear fission systems and advanced fusion reactor concepts make them ideal power source candidates for future space applications. Fusion is particularly attractive because it produces more energy than fission, and does not produce long-lived radioactive waste. The purpose of this study was to produce a FORTRAN computer code to analyze the performance of fusion reactors as propulsion concepts. The code simplifies the task of comparing thruster performance while varying individual or multiple reactor parameters. Two potential candidate fusion reactor concepts were modeled and inserted into the reactor system model: (1) the Dense Plasma Focus (DPF); and (2) the Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) . For a fusion thermal rocket, the propulsion relations were established between fusion output and rocket performance, system mass, and mission capability. By varying fusion plasma temperature, fuel mixture ratio, and mission Delta v, performance values for comparison are generated, including thrust, I sub sp, jet power, jet specific power (Alpha), thrust-to-weight ratio, and payload-to-system initial mass ratio.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA254343
Entities
People
- Robert T. Nachtrieb