Ablation Radiation Shields for Nuclear Fusion Rockets

Details Ablation Radiation Shields for Nuclear Fusion Rockets Ablation Radiation Shields for Nuclear Fusion Rockets

Jan 2003

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003aipc..654..502c&link_type=abstract

SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS INT.FORUM-STAIF 2003: Conf.on Thermophysics in Microgravity; Commercial/Civil Next Generation

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Materials, Spaceborne And Space Research Instruments, Apparatus, And Components

Scientific paper

Pulse nuclear propulsion has been the subject of extensive studies since the 1960's. Early concepts examined external pulse propulsion where small critical mass nuclear devices are ejected from the rear of the rocket. A pusher plate absorbs some of the energy form the detonation, which ablates the plate and provides thrust for the rocket. It is also possible to have the device detonate in an enclosed chamber (i.e., internal pulse propulsion). Again, in this case, ablation is the primary method for applying the thrust. Ablation can not only provide thrust but it can also aid in the dissipation of the heat in a neutron radiation shield. Since high-energy neutrons will be abundant in deuterium-tritium fusion reactions, fusion rockets that use this reaction usually are designed with a radiator to dissipate the heat from the shield. These radiators usually require a considerable mass. Carbon and tungsten ablative shields may be considerably more effective. Ablation and radiation are compared as mechanisms to dissipate the heat. Although ablation is shown to provide a considerable mass saving heat loses at the surfaces will create thermal gradients that will adversely effect the ablation rate, and may significantly increase the mass loss.

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