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Space nuclear reactor shields for manned and unmanned applicationsMissions which use nuclear reactor power systems require radiation shielding of payload and/or crew areas to predetermined dose rates. Since shielding can become a significant fraction of the total mass of the system, it is of interest to show the effect of various parameters on shield thickness and mass for manned and unmanned applications. Algorithms were developed to give the thicknesses needed if reactor thermal power, separation distances, and dose rates are given as input. The thickness algorithms were combined with models for four different shield geometries to allow tradeoff studies of shield volume and mass for a variety of manned and unmanned missions. Shield design tradeoffs presented in this study include the effects of: higher allowable dose rates; radiation hardened electronics; shorter crew exposure times; shield geometry; distance of the payload and/or crew from the reactor; and changes in the size of the shielded area. Specific NASA missions that were considered in this study include unmanned outer planetary exploration, manned advanced/evolutionary Space Station, and advanced manned lunar base.
Document ID
19900050804
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Mckissock, Barbara I.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Bloomfield, Harvey S.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Space Power - Resources, Manufacturing and Development
Volume: 9
Issue: 1, 19
ISSN: 0883-6272
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Accession Number
90A37859
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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