SPS Fabrication of Nuclear CERMET Fuel Materials using W Powder Coated UO2 Feedstocks
Project Description
To overcome the NTP propellant feedstock challenges, MSFC developed a new powder coating technique that uses a polymer binder to coat UO2 particles with W prior to fuel element fabrication. This current effort will involve evaluation of the new powder coated feedstock material and Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) as an innovative method of fabricating cermet fuel for NTP applications. This effort will include (1) assessment of the viability of the powder coated UO2 feedstock, and (2) evaluation of the SPS system as a suitable method to produce fuel material with the appropriate material properties. The end goal is a characterized W/UO2 fuel wafer that can potentially be further processed to produce a sub-scale prototypic fuel element.
More »Anticipated Benefits
Develop and fabricate a stable high- temperature nuclear fuel element, which is a critical technology for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP). NTP systems have great potential to enable future human Mars missions by providing faster trip times than convential propulsion systems.
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. | Supporting Organization | Industry | El Segundo, California |
| Co-Funding Partners | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Exploration Capabilities | NASA Program | |
| Space Launch System (SLS) | NASA Program |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Alabama
