Realizing "2001: A Space Odyssey" - Piloted spherical torus nuclear fusion propulsion

Williams, Craig H.; Dudzinski, Leonard A.; Borowski, Stanley K.; Juhasz, Albert J.

doi:10.2514/6.2001-3805

Cited by 16 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Reference [83] was an extensive systems study considering astronautic missions to Jupiter also covering many aspects other than the propulsion system. Two illustrations from [82] are shown in Figs. 26 and 27.…”

Section: Other Magnetic Fusion Propulsion Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These cover both the acquisition of the substance in the solar system, from Lunar regolith or the atmosphere of the gas giants, and the set-up of a respective system. Concepts proposed by further authors stipulate magnetic field geometries, such as Spheromaks, Spherical Tori (STR) or Field Reversed Configurations (FRC) [67,68,82]. Other designs rely on tandem mirror configurations or on the common Tokamak design.…”

Section: Other Magnetic Fusion Propulsion Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Review of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Systems

Gabrielli

Herdrich

2015

Progress in Aerospace Sciences

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Section: Other Magnetic Fusion Propulsion Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Other Magnetic Fusion Propulsion Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Systems

Gabrielli

Herdrich

2015

Progress in Aerospace Sciences

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“…10, 11 A preliminary design study of a fusion propelled space craft for interplanetary transport is presented in Ref. 16. It has also been suggested to use fusion -here inertially confined -for so called interstellar precursor probes like Daedalus.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Nuclear Side Reactions on Magnetic Fusion Reactors in Space

Gabrielli¹,

Herdrich²,

Röser³

et al. 2012

48th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference &Amp;amp; Exhibit

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A generalized burn criterion for thermonuclear fusion reactors in space is extended with respect to side reactions among all reactant and product species contained in a magnetically confined fusion plasma. The obtained criterion is verified against two simpler forms and a D-T mixture with a 1:1 fuel ratio. The power balance based on a newly developed flux scheme model is solved in conjunction with particle balances. Side reactions are observed to broaden the ignition temperature curve and keep or increase the temperature optimum under the given conditions. This is hinting at options to enhance the ingitability of aneutronic reactions. A brief fusion propulsion modelling was performed with D-T plasma volumes of 10 and 30m 3 both with 1:1 and 4:1 mixture ratios. It is found that this fueling entails huge space craft masses and thus small accelerations confirming older conclusions on the limited suitability of D-T plasmas for fusion space propulsion.

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“…This NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I study was funded to investigate the feasibility of an innovative approach toward highly energetic pulsed fusion propulsion. Several prior concept studies have proposed the conversion of fusion energy for in-space propulsion, ranging from laser ignited fusion systems such as Gevaltig [1] and VISTA [2], to the British Interplanetary Society's Daedalus concept [3] and its more recent incarnation under Project Icarus [4], to steady-state spherical torus fusion systems [5]. Other NIAC studies have also evaluated several innovative fusion concepts, including the acceleration and compression of FRC plasmas in time changing magnetic fields [6], magnetically driven liners imploding onto plasma targets [7], and high current Z-pinch compression of material liners onto fission-fusion fuel targets [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preliminary Analysis of the Gradient Field Imploding Liner Fusion Propulsion Concept

LaPointe

Cassibry

Adams

et al. 2018

2018 Joint Propulsion Conference

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The advancement of human deep space exploration requires the continued development of energetic inspace propulsion systems, advancing from current chemical engines to nuclear thermal rockets to future high energy concepts such as nuclear fusion. This paper presents the initial results of a NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I study funded to investigate the feasibility of a new pulsed fusion propulsion concept based on the rapid implosion of a fuel target injected at high velocity into a strong stationary magnetic field. The proposed concept takes advantage of the significant advances in terrestrial magneto-inertial fusion designs while attempting to mitigate the most common engineering impediments to in-space propulsion applications. A semi-analytic numerical model used to estimate target compression physics and energy release is presented, leading to estimates for engine performance. A preliminary vehicle design concept is outlined, and representative trajectory analyses for rapid Mars and Saturn missions are provided. The paper concludes with an overview of proposed next steps for theoretical and experimental validation of the concept.

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Realizing "2001: A Space Odyssey" - Piloted spherical torus nuclear fusion propulsion

Cited by 16 publications

References 33 publications

Review of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Systems

Review of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Systems

Effect of Nuclear Side Reactions on Magnetic Fusion Reactors in Space

Preliminary Analysis of the Gradient Field Imploding Liner Fusion Propulsion Concept

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