Challenges of Nuclear Thermal Rockets

The only limitation on the thermal energy that can be transferred from the reactor to the propellant is the melting temperature of the reactor fuel.[^1] If storage volume is limited, then a denser propellant like methane can be used.[^1] The thermodynamic conditions of the fuel gas is coupled to the dynamic of the reactor.[^1] this makes thrust control more challenging than in chemical rocket engines.[^1] The propellant gas can damage the reactor, so a coating of Niobium-carbide or zirconium-carbide can be used to protect the fuel elements.[^1]

  • lawrenceNuclearThermalRocket[^1]

Backlinks:

[[Naval Reactor Fuel]]
[[Nuclear Thermal Rockets]]
Thermal Hydraulic Reactor Model
[[Zirconium]]