Robust nuclear propulsion fission reactor with tri-pitch patterned core and drum absorbers
US11990248B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 2020 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Nuclear propulsion fission reactor structure has an active core region including fuel element structures, a reflector with rotatable neutron absorber structures (such as drum absorbers), and a core former conformal mating the outer surface of the fuel element structures to the reflector. Fuel element structures are arranged abutting nearest neighbor fuel element structures in a tri-pitch design. Cladding bodies defining coolant channels are inserted into and joined to upper and lower core plates to from a continuous structure that is a first portion of the containment structure. The nuclear propulsion fission reactor structure can be incorporated into a nuclear thermal propulsion engine for propulsion applications, such as space propulsion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.