20240038406. FUNCTIONALLY GRADED LATTICE CERMET FUEL STRUCTURE WITH SHAPE CORRESPONDING TO A MATHEMATICALLY-BASED PERIODIC SOLID, PARTICULARLY FOR NUCLEAR THERMAL PROPULSION APPLICATIONS simplified abstract (BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC)
Contents
- 1 FUNCTIONALLY GRADED LATTICE CERMET FUEL STRUCTURE WITH SHAPE CORRESPONDING TO A MATHEMATICALLY-BASED PERIODIC SOLID, PARTICULARLY FOR NUCLEAR THERMAL PROPULSION APPLICATIONS
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 FUNCTIONALLY GRADED LATTICE CERMET FUEL STRUCTURE WITH SHAPE CORRESPONDING TO A MATHEMATICALLY-BASED PERIODIC SOLID, PARTICULARLY FOR NUCLEAR THERMAL PROPULSION APPLICATIONS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Original Abstract Submitted
FUNCTIONALLY GRADED LATTICE CERMET FUEL STRUCTURE WITH SHAPE CORRESPONDING TO A MATHEMATICALLY-BASED PERIODIC SOLID, PARTICULARLY FOR NUCLEAR THERMAL PROPULSION APPLICATIONS
Organization Name
BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC
Inventor(s)
Benjamin D. Fisher of Lynchburg VA (US)
John R. Salasin of Lynchburg VA (US)
Craig D. Gramlich of Forest VA (US)
Jonathan K. Witter of Forest VA (US)
FUNCTIONALLY GRADED LATTICE CERMET FUEL STRUCTURE WITH SHAPE CORRESPONDING TO A MATHEMATICALLY-BASED PERIODIC SOLID, PARTICULARLY FOR NUCLEAR THERMAL PROPULSION APPLICATIONS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240038406 titled 'FUNCTIONALLY GRADED LATTICE CERMET FUEL STRUCTURE WITH SHAPE CORRESPONDING TO A MATHEMATICALLY-BASED PERIODIC SOLID, PARTICULARLY FOR NUCLEAR THERMAL PROPULSION APPLICATIONS
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a nuclear propulsion fission reactor structure that is designed for use in a nuclear thermal propulsion engine for space propulsion applications. The structure includes an active core region with fuel element structures, a reflector with rotatable neutron absorber structures, and a core former that conforms to the outer surface of the fuel element structures and the reflector. The fuel element structures are arranged in a tri-pitch design, with each structure abutting its nearest neighbor. Cladding bodies are inserted into and joined to lower and upper core plates to form a continuous structure that serves as the first portion of the containment structure.
- The fuel element structures have a shape that corresponds to a mathematically-based periodic solid, such as a triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) in a gyroid structure.
- The reflector includes rotatable neutron absorber structures, such as drum absorbers, which can be adjusted to control the neutron flux within the reactor.
- The core former conforms to the outer surface of the fuel element structures and the reflector, providing structural support and ensuring proper alignment of the components.
- The cladding bodies define coolant channels and are inserted into and joined to the lower and upper core plates, forming a continuous structure that serves as the first portion of the containment structure.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Nuclear thermal propulsion engines for space propulsion applications.
- Power generation in remote or isolated locations where traditional power sources are not feasible.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Provides a compact and efficient nuclear propulsion fission reactor structure for space propulsion applications.
- Ensures proper alignment and structural support for the fuel element structures, reflector, and core former.
- Allows for control of the neutron flux within the reactor through the use of rotatable neutron absorber structures.
Benefits of this technology:
- Compact and efficient design allows for more efficient use of nuclear fuel.
- Provides a reliable and controllable power source for space propulsion applications.
- Offers potential for power generation in remote or isolated locations.
Original Abstract Submitted
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 lower and upper core plates to from a continuous structure that is a first portion of the containment structure. the body of the fuel element has a structure with a shape corresponding to a mathematically-based periodic solid, such as a triply periodic minimal surface (tpms) in a gyroid structure. the nuclear propulsion fission reactor structure can be incorporated into a nuclear thermal propulsion engine for propulsion applications, such as space propulsion.
