Investigation of a Sodium Vapor Compressor Jet for Nuclear Propulsion of Aircraft

Analysis indicates that, in order to achieve supersonic flight with nuclear powered aircraft, a reactor -power plant combination capable of operating at temperatures considerably in excess of current practice must be developed. It is pointed out that there exist two general avenues of approach toward the goal of attaining high temperature reactors and power plants. The first approach involves the continuation and augmentation of research along the lines pursued by the conventional turbo-jet engine manufacturer, namely a search for material coatings or materials that will retain structural strength in high temperature oxidizing atmospheres. The second approach seeks to take advantage of the peculiar characteristics of the compressor-jet engine that permit the operation of the high temperature components in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. The results of a preliminary design study of a supersonic aircraft powered by a high temperature sodium, liquid vapor compressor -jet engine are summarized. The analysis considered, in as much detail as was warranted by the limited experimental information available, the characteristics of the reactor, power plant and airframe involved in determining performance. This study has been conducted for the purpose of guiding future, long -t e r rn , research work along the lines of high temperature reactors and power plants for aircraft propulsion. The sodium vapor compressor -jet is not presented as an engine that is presently considered feasible nor is any attempt made to establish a time table for its development. The present status of reactor -power plant combinations of the type discussed in this report is such that the configurations presented and the thermodynamic requirements set forth are highly c onj ectural. However, in light of the promising results thus far obtained from very limited experimentation in the field of high temperature materials not subject to oxidizing atmospheres, it appears worthwhile to continue a research effort along these lines in the expectation of making high temperature, high performance aircraft a reality. This report is based upon studies conducted for the Atomic Energy Commission under Contract AT-40-l-GEN-1064. These studies were concluded on September 1, 1951, and were informally made available to the Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion Group at ORNL at that time