Nuclear Component Test Structure With Plenum Cooling for Hydrogen Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of suitable facilities for testing Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) fuel and components at high temperatures (>2700 Kelvins), pressures (~1000 psi), and in a flowing hydrogen environment limits the advancement of nuclear thermal propulsion component testing.
Innovation Solution
A device and system for nuclear component testing featuring an outer and inner shell with a plenum, gas inlets, and outlets to control and cool test gases, allowing for testing in a nuclear reactor test port, capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures, and simulating a flowing hydrogen environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If existing facilities are used for testing, then testing can be conducted, but the facilities cannot withstand high temperatures (>2700 Kelvins) and pressures (~1000 psi) required for NTP component testing
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional segments: an outer shell that interfaces with the reactor test port, an inner shell that houses the nuclear component, and a plenum space between them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the outer shell withstands reactor conditions while the inner shell creates a controlled testing environment for the component.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling gas acts as an intermediary substance between the high-temperature nuclear component and the external environment. The gas flows through the plenum, absorbs heat from the component, and carries it away, enabling the component to be tested at high temperatures while the external facility remains at safe operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If facilities are modified to allow hydrogen environment testing, then NTP component testing becomes possible, but the complexity and cost of facility modification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device creates a universal testing environment within the plenum that can accommodate various NTP components while maintaining consistent hydrogen atmosphere conditions. The same basic device configuration can test different fuel elements, heat exchangers, or other nuclear thermal propulsion components without requiring facility reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed device acts as an intermediary container that provides the hydrogen environment internally, eliminating the need to modify the external facility. The device brings the required hydrogen atmosphere capability to the component being tested rather than requiring the facility to adapt to each testing need.
3Temperature
If test ports are redesigned to accommodate high-temperature testing, then NTP component testing capability improves, but the configuration constraints and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the high-temperature zone (inside the inner shell where the component is tested) from the low-temperature zone (the plenum and outer shell interface with the test port). This segmentation allows the test port to remain at standard configuration while the internal segmentation enables high-temperature testing through the cooling gas mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables testing of nuclear components at high temperatures and pressures in a flowing hydrogen environment, facilitating advanced nuclear thermal propulsion component testing.
Implementation Method 1
Passage through the plenum warms the test gas, thereby cooling the inner shell and the outer shell
Implementation Method 2
The nuclear component is configured to heat the test gas
Implementation Method 3
A second gas inlet passes through the outer shell and is configured to feed a cooling gas into the gas outlet, mixing the test gas with the cooling gas, thereby cooling the test gas
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and systems for testing nuclear components are disclosed. An outer shell and inner shell containing a nuclear test component are fed with a test gas which is heated by nuclear reactions. A second gas is fed into the gas outlet to cool the test gas.