Statistics – Applications
Scientific paper
Jan 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002aipc..608..819b&link_type=abstract
SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL FORUM- STAIF 2002. Conference on Thermophyiscs in Microgravity; Conference on In
Statistics
Applications
Spaceborne And Space Research Instruments, Apparatus, And Components, Theory, Design, And Computerized Simulation
Scientific paper
A preliminary system design is presented for a high performance 100 MWe manned space vehicle in the 500 metric ton class, based on Inertial Electrostatic Fusion (IEC), with trip times to the outer planets of several months. An IEC is chosen because it simplifies structure results in a very high power to weight ratio. The fusion reactor uses D-3He fuel which generates 14.7-MeV protons as the primary reaction product. The propulsion system design philosophy is based on direct conversion of proton energy to electricity, avoiding the thermalization of the working fluid to maximize efficiency. The principle system components of crew compartment, electronics, fusion reactor, traveling wave direct energy converter, step-down transformer, rectifier, ion thruster and heat rejection radiators are described. The design requires that an IEC reactor with a proton energy gain (power in 14.7-MeV protons/input electric power) of 4 or better is necessary to keep radiator mass and size at acceptable levels. Extrapolation of present laboratory scale IEC experiments to reactor relevant conditions is possible theoretically, but faces several open issues including stability under high-density conditions. Since unburned fusion fuels are recycled rather than exhausted with the propellant, problems of fuel weight and preservation of 3He are minimized. The 100-MWe propulsion system is based on NSTAR-extrapolated krypton ion thrusters operating at a specific impulse of 16,000 seconds and a total thrust of 1020 N. Thrust time for a typical outer planet mission ΔV of 50,000 m/s is then ~200 days. .
Burton Robert
Coventry Matt
Miley George H.
Momota Hiromu
Richardson Nathan
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