Date of Award

5-2-2022

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

Team 12 was tasked with designing a nuclear power system to power a crewed base on Mars. The power system must be robust, reliable, modular, and require minimal maintenance. In September 2022, the team began by conducting research and discovery. Early research into Mars outpost power requirements and environmental factors led to the formation of design specifications. The requirements included a 150 kWe power requirement for a 4 person crewed base, a 30 year lifespan, and requirements for Mars wind speeds, emitted radiation, waste heat reprocessing, and core neutronics properties. Literature and patent searches were then conducted, sparking ideation within the group. In November 2022, the group began designing a CO2 cooled reactor, presenting preliminary designs in December 2022. In February 2023, the team picked up work on the design and began planning a final goal for the concept. Throughout the coming months, testing was conducted on various components, informing design and requirement changes. Testing was conducted with computer based simulation tools, including MFiX, Abaqus, and Fusion360. Essential test results come from coolant flow and stress analyses. The team planned and constructed a scale model to visualize the design using 3D printing techniques. At the end of April, the team presented the final design along with the scale model at the URI Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Showcase. The team also presented at the RI Space Grant Consortium in Newport, RI.

Comments

Team Name: Team 12

Sponsor: Bahram Nassersharif

Document Reference: URI-MCE-402-012-2022

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