Proposal Number:          21-1- Z10.03-1350

          

          

   

Subtopic Title:
      Space Nuclear Propulsion

          

          

   

Proposal Title:
      Ultrahigh-Temperature Property Testing of Nuclear Propulsion Materials

          

          

   

Firm:

          

Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing

          

   

Address:

          

7800 South Nogales Highway, Tucson, AZ 85756

          

   

Phone:

          

(520) 547-0850                                                                                                                                                                                

          

   

Name:

          

Zachary Wing

          

   

E-mail:

          

zwing@acmtucson.com

          

   

Address:

          

7800 South Nogales Highway, AZ 85756 - 9645

          

   

Phone:

          

(520) 547-0861                                                                                                                                                                                

          

   

Name:

          

Mark Angier

          

   

E-mail:

          

mangier@acmtucson.com

          

   

Address:

          

7800 South Nogales Highway, AZ 85756 - 9645

          

   

Phone:

          

(520) 547-0850                                                                                                                                                                                

          

   

Estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) :                                                                                                                                                          
Begin: 3
End: 4

          

          

     

Technical Abstract (Limit 2000 characters, approximately 200 words):

While chemical propulsions systems are necessary for launch into space, other propulsion systems are far more efficient for space travel. Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) and Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) technologies are of interest for future programs that require high ∆V (interplanetary, deep space, etc.). Nuclear propulsion will allow for shorter travel times and fewer launches when human missions to Mars begin. 

 

Current fuels being considered for NTP/NEP are based on cermet and carbide construction.  Cermet fuel uses UO₂ bonded with a refractory metal (e.g. Mo, W, Ta).  Refractory carbides are also being considered (primarily ZrC) mixed with UC. These fuels can reach temperatures well above 2000°C.  Under these conditions and mission durations, it is critical to understand the mechanical behavior and their stability of the bonding agents used in the fuel.  Conducting physical characterization >2000°C is non-trivial since few materials can operate in this regime.   To reduce the risks of using NTP/NEP systems, NASA needs to characterize the candidate materials at operational temperatures. 

Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing has significant experience in processing Ultra High Temperature Materials (refractory metal nitrides, carbides, and borides) and developing novel ultra high temperature mechanical test systems.

ACM’s proposed technology utilizes small, custom test geometries that are tested using non-contact forces. This enables characterization of modulus, strength, fatigue, and creep at  2700°C.

          

          

     

Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words):

Nuclear propulsion development

Hypersonic leading edges

Hypersonic propulsion

Rocket propulsion

          

          

     

Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words):

Hypersonic leading edges

Hypersonic propulsion

Rocket propulsion

          

          

     

Duration:     6