American scientists have taken an important step in the development of a new type of nuclear engine for space flights. We are talking about a Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (CNTR) — thermonuclear engine, which runs on liquid uranium fuel.
Teams from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Ohio State University are working on the project. Their goal is to almost double the efficiency of modern nuclear space propulsion systems. Expected, that CNTR will be able to provide a specific impulse at the level 1500 seconds — compared to approx 900 seconds in existing projects, fire NASA DRACO.
Unlike traditional nuclear engines, where solid fuel is used, CNTR involves the use of molten uranium, which is held in the rotating cylinders by centrifugal force. Hydrogen, which passes through this superheated material, is heated and ejected through the nozzle, creating a thrust.
Scientists have already conducted a number of experiments, in particular, using X-ray methods to observe the behavior of gas bubbles in liquid fuel. They are also working on stabilizing the nuclear reaction, adding the isotope Erbium-167 to the models, which can help avoid system overheating.
A serious problem is the loss of uranium along with the gas flow. The researchers suggest using the dielectrophoresis method (DEP), which will allow to return to 99% uranium vapor, preventing a decrease in engine efficiency.
Currently, the development is at the stage of numerical simulation. The creation of a full-fledged prototype is still a long way off, however, researchers are confident, that CNTR could provide a revolutionary breakthrough in interplanetary missions, including flights to Mars and beyond.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/space/liquid-uranium-rocket-deep-space-missions