Abstract: An integral pressurized water nuclear reactor for the production of steam utilizing a helical coil steam generator, a plurality of internal circulation pumps, and an internal control rod drive mechanism structure.

Abstract: The Seafloor Power Station is one or more unmanned electric power generating Units (2) sending power to and operated from existing coastal sites by a manned facility (1) by connecting lines and hoses (3) delivering power to a grid by lines (4). Each Unit's hull (11) maintained in a vacuum, contains both nuclear steam and electricity generating systems. The hull functions as overpressure containment and as condenser in the event of a loss of coolant accident or other steam release. The Units operate submerged in very cold water, with depth set by remotely controlled vertical mooring systems, mounted on gravity mats (27). A Unit must be surfaced by its mooring system to refuel the reactor, an action both conspicuous and public, enabling international oversight of the fuel disposition.

Abstract: A gas, e.g. hydrogen, at relatively low pressure is directly heated by the fission fragments (FF) emitted by a thin layer of fissile material, e.g. 242mAm, deposited on the inner wall of a chamber which is kept cooled at a typical temperature of about 1,000/1,500 K. The gas is preferably emitted as capillary flow from the walls of cylindrical tubes. Its temperature progressively increases until it reaches an equilibrium value of the order of 9,500 K, at which point FF heating and radiative cooling balance. With a relatively modest surface power density at the foil of 200 W/cm2, the specific, volume-averaged power given to the H gas may be as large as 0.66 MWatt/g. Heating powers up to megawatts for each gram of gas are therefore feasible with acceptable foil surface heating. The gas heating method can be used in rocket engines for deep space propulsion.

Abstract: An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10) is disclosed. One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom (11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.

Abstract: A nuclear power plant (18) and its heat exhanger (26) are enclosed in an envelope (22) which is suspended above a bored shaft (14) from a support stem (30). When appropriate, the stem (30) can be melted by a furnace (34) to drop the envelope (22) to the bottom of the shaft (14). Sand (42) can then be dropped onto the envelope (22) through a drainage pipe (46). While the nuclear power plant (18) is operating and suspended in the shaft, spent fuel rods (70) are dropped into a sand blasting machine's hopper (130), mixed with sand and dropped into a bag (134) containing a small explosive device. The bag (134) is then dropped to the bottom of the shaft (14) and the explosive detonated to scatter the contents of the bag (134). Optionally, more sand or earth is then added to reduce heat and radiation to acceptable levels.

Abstract: A nuclear thermal rocket engine is provided with an integrated and compact construction that facilitates vehicle size and weight reduction. The engine includes a nuclear reactor core having multiple fuel assemblies and moderator rods disposed therebetween. A reactor vessel surrounds a reflector assembly which surrounds the core and includes multiple passages formed therein for circulating coolant therethrough. The reactor vessel is surrounded by a nozzle assembly which includes a nozzle block having a plenum fluidly coupled to the outlets of the fuel assemblies and a nozzle throat region. Multiple struts extend from the reactor vessel and through the nozzle throat region to divide that region into multiple nozzle throats. Each strut includes multiple channels for circulating coolant (e.g.

Abstract: A bimodal nuclear power and propulsion system for space is disclosed. Closed cycle heat engines are in operative association with each sector of a sectored reactor core. Heat exchangers employing waste heat, electric power and reactor heat are used to heat propellant to increase Isp. Non-nuclear ground testing of the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nuclear propulsion reactor. A pressure vessel is provided with a reactor core that is surrounded by a radial reflector. Nuclear fuel elements in the core are formed from a hexagonal housing made from a high performance moderator and having a plurality of axial bores that extend the full length of the housing. A stack of nuclear fuel compacts having axial bores for coolant flow is received in the central axial bore of the housing. Hollow lithium hydride slugs are received in the bores at the corners of the housing. A rocket nozzle is attached to one end of the pressure vessel. Coolant/propellant flows into a passageway around the rocket nozzle for cooling thereof, upward through bores in the reflector and through the hexagonal housings of the fuel elements, downward through the bores in the nuclear fuel compacts and then out the rocket nozzle where propulsive thrust is produced.

Abstract: A nuclear propulsion reactor. A reactor vessel is provided with an annular first core and a cylindrical second core that is radially encompassed by the first core. Nuclear fuel elements in the first core provide first stage heating of propellant as they direct the propellant axially through the first core. The second core, which contains fissionable material in a highly refractory form, is in fluid communication with the first core for receiving the heated propellant. Fission reactions in the second core driven by leakage neutrons from the first core provide second stage heating of the propellant as it passes therethrough. The second core directs the coolant to a propellant nozzle for providing propulsive thrust.

Abstract: The invention as presented consists of a submerged passively-safe power station including a pressurized water reactor capable of generating at least 600 MW of electricity, encased in a double hull vessel, and provides fresh water by using the spent thermal energy in a multistage flash desalination process.

Abstract: A thermionic reactor for providing electrical power and propulsion power. A reactor vessel has a plurality of thermionic heat pipe modules located therein and spaced apart on a hexagonal pitch. Nuclear fuel elements are positioned in the spaces between the thermionic heat pipe modules. Insulating material is provided between the reactor vessel and the array of thermionic heat pipe modules and nuclear fuel elements. Propulsion power is provided by a propellant storage tank and propellant nozzle in fluid communication with opposite ends of the reactor vessel. The thermionic heat pipe modules serve to produce electricity and aid in removal of waste heat.

Abstract: A lightweight three sector reactor for use in space. The three sectors provide redundancy for safety and operation assurance. The reactor can be launched empty or fueled and can be fueled, emptied, and refueled while in space. The reactor can be used to power manned space platforms.

Abstract: A system for preventing salvage fusing of nuclear warhead attack weapons including an interceptor weapon having detecting means operably associated therewith for detecting an attack weapon at a predetermined distance. A disarming mechanism operably associated with the interceptor weapon for preventing detonation of the nuclear warhead. The interceptor weapon includes an explosive device for destroying the interceptor weapon during a period when the nuclear warhead is disarmed and hurling numerous particles at the attack weapon. Upon impact, the particles destroy the attack weapon thereby preventing it from ever reaching its full explosive potential.

Abstract: A method of providing a nuclear steam supply system that is constructed to include a barge or flotation base as an integrated portion thereof. The system is tested for operability and safety at the factory and then towed along navigable coastal or inland waterways, or overseas to foreign locations, to a prepared foundation site at its point of use. The overall unit is so constructed and arranged as to permit the removal of top and side portions to permit passage under low bridges and through narrow locks without requiring disassembly of safety class piping and wiring. The method further provides for a complete nuclear power plant constructed on multiple barges at a separate factory site in parallel with plant site preparation, i.e., in estuaries or caves.

Abstract: A pressurized water nuclear reactor comprises a normally vertical main vessel externally duplicated by a confinement enclosure. The main vessel contains a simplified primary circuit essentially incorporationg the reactor core and an annular steam generator arranged in such a way that the circulation of water, pressurized once and for all during the sealing of the vessel, takes place by natural convection. All the auxiliary circuits, conventionally ensuring cooling on shut down of such a reactor are eliminated, said cooling being ensured by a special arrangement of the space formed between the vessel and the enclosure and by the fact that the latter is immersed in an external cooling liquid, no matter what the slope of the reactor. The shut down of fission reaction in the core is ensured by systems of absorbing elements and by the automatic displacement of part of the reflector in the case of a slope of the reactor.

Abstract: A heat radiator useful for expelling waste heat from a power generating system aboard a space vehicle is disclosed. Liquid to be cooled is passed to the interior of a rotating bubble membrane radiator, where it is sprayed into the interior of the bubble. Liquid impacting upon the interior surface of the bubble is cooled and the heat radiated from the outer surface of the membrane. Cooled liquid is collected by the action of centrifical force about the equator of the rotating membrane and returned to the power system. Details regarding a complete space power system employing the radiator are given.

Abstract: A thermally activated trigger device 10 comprises a pressurized closed vessel 11 with a piston 12 slideably mounted in it to divide it into two compartments 14 and 16. A fluid such as an inert gas is contained within the compartments at substantially the same pressure. One end of one of the compartments has venting means 24, such as a normally closed pipe which vents the fluid from the compartment once the pipe becomes open by rupture or melting at an elevated temperature. The resulting pressure difference between the compartments on venting of the fluid moves the piston which is connected to an actuator means for performing a desired control or safety shut-down function. The trigger device is useful for performing many control and safety shut-down functions, particularly for rendering a nuclear space reactor subcritical upon reentry to the earth's atmosphere.

Abstract: A self-contained modular nuclear reactor which can be prefabricated at a factory location, nuclear-certified at the factory, transported to a field location for final assembly and connection to a large-scale electric-power generating facility. The modular reactor includes a prefabricated nuclear heat supply module and a plurality of shell segments which can be assembled about the heat supply module and which provide a form for the pouring and curing of a cementatious biological shield about the heat supply module. The modular reactor includes passive shutdown heat removal systems sufficient to render the reactor safe in an emergency. A large-scale power plant arrangement is disclosed which incorporates a plurality of the modular reactors.

Abstract: A reactor unit and a nuclear installation which uses said reactor unit and method of fitting up such an installation. Said installation includes mainly a reactor unit (2) which constitutes a shiftable module formed by a casing (7) and a stand (8), by a container unit (1) designed to accommodate the reactor unit (2) and by a module (3) for closing the container unit (1) and forming, for example, a swimming bath type storing unit for the used nuclear fuel. The installation of the invention may constitute a nuclear boiler which can be transported to the operation site in the form of an integral assembly or in separate components.

Abstract: A bimodal propulsion and power nuclear reactor with coaxial power and propulsion cores, each with its own primary propellant/coolant. An inner core region provides electrical power while an outer annular core region surrounding the inner core region has, passageways for heating a gaseous propellant.