00405753
Executive Summary
System Metadata
Source ID
DOC-LANL_FIS
Process Date
2/3/2026
Integrity Hash
SHA256-0wwq0zxit2o9...
Indexer Status
COMPLETE
INVESTIGATIVE ANALYSIS
Layman's Executive Summary
This document investigates using magnetic fields to control and contain hot nuclear fuel in advanced gas-core fission rockets to prevent the fuel from leaking or mixing with the exhaust. Researchers specifically analyze a magnetic shape called a 'spheromak' to see if it can keep the reactor stable and efficient for high-performance space travel.
Document Origin
The document was authored by R.A. Gerwin, R.A. Nebel, and D.I. Poston of the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), specifically the Theoretical Division (T-15) and Technology and Safety Assessment Division (TSA-12). It was presented at the 31st AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit in San Diego, CA.
Research Purpose
The research aims to address critical instabilities in gas-core fission propulsion, where fuel and propellant tend to mix and degrade engine performance. The authors explore using magnetic configurations, like mirrors and spheromaks, to 'stiffen' the fuel-propellant interface and achieve non-inductive sustainment of the fissioning plasma.
Relevancy Analysis
" This document is a vital link between traditional nuclear propulsion and advanced Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) research often associated with Field-Reversed Configurations (FRC) and fusion energy. It demonstrates LANL's mid-90s interest in using sophisticated plasma confinement techniques—normally reserved for fusion—to solve fundamental issues in high-thrust fission propulsion, a precursor to more exotic 'black' aerospace propulsion concepts. The mention of uranium-lithium (235U/7Li) plasma mixtures highlights technical crossover with compact reactor designs and high-energy-density physics. "
Extracted Verifiable Claims
- › The paper was presented at the 31st AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit held July 10-12, 1995.
- › The authors estimate a Lundquist number (S) as large as 100 in near-critical 235U plasmas diluted with 7Li.
- › The document is identified by the Los Alamos National Laboratory report number LA-UR-95-2674.
- › The research explores the use of 3D resistive MHD simulations to observe dynamo activity at a Lundquist number as small as 200.
- › The authors propose that magnetic guiding of the plasma-fuel flow is feasible for moderate field strengths of approximately 0.1 Tesla.
Technical Contribution
This paper identifies the Lundquist number as a key figure of merit for sustaining a spheromak in a nuclear environment and estimates its value within near-critical uranium-lithium plasmas.