College
College of Engineering and Polymer Science
Date of Last Revision
2024-06-04 07:21:47
Major
Mechanical Engineering
Honors Course
MECE 461 - 012
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2024
Abstract
Interplanetary Travel requirements necessitate the use of increasingly complex propulsion systems. Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is a cutting-edge concept that holds immense potential for the future of space exploration. By utilizing nuclear fission to heat a propellant and generate thrust, NTP offers the potential for unprecedented efficiency, enabling faster interplanetary travel and extended mission capabilities. A nuclear thermal rocket engine is a type of propulsion system that utilizes the heat generated by a nuclear reactor to heat and expel a propellant, typically hydrogen, at high velocities to produce thrust. The engine consists of three main subsystems: the nuclear reactor, the propellant flow system, and the nozzle.
Testing remains the gold standard of system verification. However, the complexity, cost, and risk associated with NTP testing, both on ground and in space, create the need for improved modeling of NTP systems. This project will focus on the development of a thermal hydraulic model created in MATLAB to analyze NTP system performance characteristics, the use of orbital mechanics software for the evaluation of Venusian flight trajectories utilizing NTP, and the use of CAD modelling software to demonstrate the integration of NTP system components.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Manigandan Kannan
First Reader
Dr. Michael Houts
Second Reader
Daniel Falkenbach
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Daniel Quinn
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Alves Almeida, Ana Clecia; Davis, Jonathan; and Dippolito, Ryan, "Propulsion Heat Analysis Nuclear Trajectory Optimization (PHANTOM)" (2024). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1808.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1808
Included in
Heat Transfer, Combustion Commons, Nuclear Engineering Commons, Propulsion and Power Commons, Space Vehicles Commons