System Design Selection and Parametric Optimization Analysis of 110 kN Nuclear Thermal Rocket Engine

Nuclear thermal rocket engine is considered as an ideal power for advanced space exploration, and available system cycles include closed expander cycle, hot bleed cycle and open expander cycle. A comparative study of three different system cycles for a 110 kN nuclear thermal rocket engine based on a ceramic-metallic (CERMET) fuel element was carried out, through the parameter comparison of different system cycles and combinatorial optimization analysis. The optimal system of the engine is considered to be hot bleed cycle. The feasibility of improving engine impulse performance was also discussed.