Startup control of the TOPAZ-II space nuclear reactor
By:  Cal D. Astrin
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Subjects: SPACECRAFT NUCLEAR PROPULSION; REACTOR SAFETY SYSTEMS; NUCLEAR ENERGY
Description: The Russian designed and manufactured TOPAZ-II Thermionic Nuclear Space Reactor has been supplied to the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization for study as part of the TOPAZ International Program. A Preliminary Nuclear Safety Assessment investigated the readiness to use the TOPAZ-II in support of a Nuclear Electric Propulsion Space Test Mission (NEPSTP). Among the anticipated system modifications required for launching the TOPAZ-II system within safety goals is for a U.S. designed Automatic Control System. The requirements and desired features of such a control system are developed based upon U.S. safety standards. System theory and design are presented in order to establish the basis for development of a hybrid control model from available simulations. The model is verified and then used in exploration of various control schemes and casualty analysis providing groundwork for future Automatic Control System design.
Notes: Thesis advisor(s): Oscar Biblarz.

"September 1996."

Thesis (M.S. in Astronautical Engineering) Naval Postgraduate School, September 1996.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 145-146).

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

US Navy (USN) author.

dk/dk cc:9996 01/17/97