Development of the Variable Atmosphere Testing Facility for Blow-Down Analysis of the Mars Hopper Prototype [electronic resource]

• Ngôn ngữ: eng
• Ký hiệu phân loại: 629.232 Materials
• Thông tin xuất bản: Idaho Falls, Idaho : Oak Ridge, Tenn. : Idaho National Laboratory ; Distributed by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Dept. of Energy, 2013
• Mô tả vật lý: Medium: ED : , digital, PDF file.
• Bộ sưu tập: Metadata
• ID: 267339
• Chủ đề: 1. 33 advanced propulsion systems; 2. Cermet; 3. Mars hopper; 4. Radioisotope thermal rocket

Tóm tắt

 Recent developments at the Center for Space Nuclear Research (CSNR) on a Martian exploration probe have lead to the assembly of a multi-functional variable atmosphere testing facility (VATF). The VATF has been assembled to perform transient blow-down analysis of a radioisotope thermal rocket (RTR) concept that has been proposed for the Mars Hopper
  a long-lived, long-ranged mobile platform for the Martian surface. This study discusses the current state of the VATF as well as recent blow-down testing performed on a laboratory-scale prototype of the Mars Hopper. The VATF allows for the simulation of Mars ambient conditions within the pressure vessel as well as to safely perform blow-down tests through the prototype using CO2 gas
  the proposed propellant for the Mars Hopper. Empirical data gathered will lead to a better understanding of CO2 behavior and will provide validation of simulation models. Additionally, the potential of the VATF to test varying propulsion system designs has been recognized. In addition to being able to simulate varying atmospheres and blow-down gases for the RTR, it can be fitted to perform high temperature hydrogen testing of fuel elements for nuclear thermal propulsion.