Revolutionizing Rocket Engines: The Power of Direct Fusion and Fission Reactions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the potential for utilizing direct fusion and fission reactions in the design of nuclear rocket engines, contrasting current designs that primarily focus on thermal propulsion methods. Participants explore the implications of these alternative approaches for propulsion efficiency and engine design.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with existing nuclear rocket engine designs, arguing they overlook the potential of direct fusion and fission reactions, which could offer better propulsion options.
  • Another participant challenges the feasibility of generating thrust from fission, referencing the Orion project as a possible example of fission-based propulsion.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that direct fusion is a cleaner alternative that meets the required specific impulse (Isp) ranges, questioning the need to involve radiation in propulsion designs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are competing views on the viability and desirability of using direct fusion and fission reactions in rocket engine designs.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about the practicality of proposed designs, the technical challenges of implementing direct fusion and fission, and the implications of radiation management in propulsion systems.

u235
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[Note: hi everyone, this is my first post, my name is U235 or more conversly Dion. I am 16]


Why is it everytime i look over schematics for the next nuclear rocket engine the design's are completley blindsided to nuclear physics and the harnessing of direct fusion and fission reactions.
They all seem to depict a stupid design for increasing terminal velocity of hydrogen fuel and expanding it in the combusion chamber for propulsion purposes via a nuclear reactor. Surley this type of design should be outlawed to the fact that massive thermal constraints weigh on the design, and the engine must be always on in most design cases making it expendable. But the most infuriating -wrong- design facet is the lack to use direct fission + fusion for propulsion possibilities.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Why don't you go and build one then you could be famous or something.




day without sunshine is...like well......scary!
 
How do you propose to get thrust from fission?

Are you talking about something like the Orion project?
 
It's clean and within required Isp ranges. Why mess
with radiation instead ?!

Live long and prosper.
 

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