Passive reactivity control of nuclear thermal propulsion reactors

摘要

Passive reactivity control technologies that enable reactivity control of a nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) system with little to no active mechanical movement of circumferential control drums. By minimizing or eliminating the need for mechanical movement of the circumferential control drums during an NTP burn, the reactivity control technologies simplify controlling an NTP reactor and increase the overall performance of the NTP system. The reactivity control technologies mitigate and counteract the effects of xenon, the dominant fission product contributing to reactivity transients. Examples of reactivity control technologies include, employing burnable neutron poisons, tuning hydrogen pressure, adjusting wait time between burn cycles or merging burn cycles, and enhancement of temperature feedback mechanisms. The reactivity control technologies are applicable to low-enriched uranium NTP systems, including graphite composite fueled and tungsten ceramic and metal matrix (CERMET), or any moderated NTP system, such as highly-enriched uranium graphite composite NTP systems.