Date of Award

5-6-2024

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

This capstone project aimed to design the hydrogen passageways flowing through the Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (CNTR). The primary objective was to model an efficient hydrogen path that would ensure optimal heat management and propellant flow. The team created a Solidworks model of the reactor bank, incorporating a moderator block with internal passageways for hydrogen. The top turnaround region was designed to guide gas from the reactor’s outer wall into the turbine, while the shuriken structure at the base ensured each reactor unit had an independent cooling supply.

Using simulation results and analysis, the team developed a modular design that provides the most efficient hydrogen supply to each centrifugal fuel element (CFE). A physical model of a single modular CFE was created to showcase fluid flow and demonstrate the modular system’s feasibility. This modular design allows future engineers to modify or replace individual sections without disrupting the entire system, offering a flexible and scalable solution. The team is confident that this work provides a robust foundation for future research in heat transfer and effective fluid supply pathing, helping advance the CNTR concept.

Comments

Team Name: NASA 20H (Team 20H)

Company Sponsor: NASA

Sponsor Representative: Michael Houts

Document Reference: URI-MCE-402-20H-2024

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