核热推进反应堆多目标优化设计方法研究

朱鹏橙; 赵鹏程; 刘晓晶; 柴翔; 李卫

doi:10.3724/j.0253-3219.2025.hjs.48.240286

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核热推进反应堆多目标优化设计方法研究

核能科学与工程 | 更新时间：2025-11-27

- 核热推进反应堆多目标优化设计方法研究
- Multi-objective conceptual design method for nuclear thermal propulsion reactor
- 核技术 2025年48卷第11期文章编号：110601
- 作者机构：
  
  1.南华大学核科学技术学院衡阳 421200
  2.上海交通大学核科学与工程学院上海 200240
  3.上海交通大学智慧能源与创新学院上海 200240
  4.上海市数值反应堆技术融合创新中心上海 200240
  5.南华大学资源环境与安全工程学院衡阳 421200
- 作者简介：
  
  朱鹏橙，男，2000年出生，南华大学本科在读，研究领域为先进核能系统设计
  李卫，E-mail：cooLee@usc.edu.cn
- 基金信息：
  
  中国博士后科学基金第75批面上项目(2024M751349)
- DOI：10.3724/j.0253-3219.2025.hjs.48.240286
  中图分类号： TL371
- 收稿：2024-07-12，
  
  修回：2024-12-21，
  
  纸质出版：2025-11-15
- 稿件说明：
移动端阅览
朱鹏橙,赵鹏程,刘晓晶等.核热推进反应堆多目标优化设计方法研究[J].核技术,2025,48(11):110601.

ZHU Pengcheng,ZHAO Pengcheng,LIU Xiaojing,et al.Multi-objective conceptual design method for nuclear thermal propulsion reactor[J].NUCLEAR TECHNIQUES,2025,48(11):110601.
朱鹏橙,赵鹏程,刘晓晶等.核热推进反应堆多目标优化设计方法研究[J].核技术,2025,48(11):110601. DOI： 10.3724/j.0253-3219.2025.hjs.48.240286. CSTR： 32193.14.hjs.CN31-1342/TL.2025.48.240286.

ZHU Pengcheng,ZHAO Pengcheng,LIU Xiaojing,et al.Multi-objective conceptual design method for nuclear thermal propulsion reactor[J].NUCLEAR TECHNIQUES,2025,48(11):110601. DOI： 10.3724/j.0253-3219.2025.hjs.48.240286. CSTR： 32193.14.hjs.CN31-1342/TL.2025.48.240286.

摘要

在深空探测任务对高性能推进系统的迫切需求下，针对现有核热推进反应堆（Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Reactor，NTPR）设计方法的系统性和完整性不足的问题，提出了一种NTPR多目标概念设计方法，以实现具有大推力、高比冲、长寿命和轻量化特点的NTPR堆芯设计。首先，该方法依据组件间的传热特点构建了组件间传热模型，并将其与核火箭的飞行性能及堆芯的临界状态相结合以便开展综合分析；其次，基于组件间传热模型、飞行性能模型以及组件二维临界模型，提出了一种多目标参数筛选方法，采用该方法对NTPR设计方案进行耦合迭代计算，以优化堆芯布局，确保满足热工、飞行和中子物理的综合设计标准，同时实现堆芯质量的最小化。在优化过程中，利用开源蒙特卡罗软件OpenMC对优化后的堆芯布局进行了详尽的三维中子学计算，这些计算针对反应堆的临界特性、安全特性以及燃耗表现等关键性能指标进行了全面评估。结果显示，基于该方法设计的低浓缩铀（Low-Enriched Uranium，LEU）NTPR概念设计方案初步满足了高性能设计要求，为未来载人深空探测任务提供了有价值的参考。

Abstract

Background

The imperative need for high-performance propulsion systems in deep space exploration missions has led to a focus on improving the design of nuclear thermal propulsion reactor (NTPR). The existing methods for designing NTPRs have been identified as lacking in systematic and integral approaches.

Purpose

This study aims to propose a novel multi-objective optimization design method for NTPR to achieve a core design that offers high thrust

high specific impulse

extended service life

and reduced weight.

Methods

The methodology involved several key steps: constructing a heat transfer model between components based on their thermal interaction characteristics. This model was integrated with the flight performance model of the nuclear rocket and the two-dimensional criticality model of the components. A multi-objective parameter screening method was proposed that combined the aforementioned models for coupled iterative calculations to optimize the core layout. The design was ensured to meet comprehensive standards in thermal engineering

flight performance

and neutron physics while minimizing the core mass

with the specific impulse of 910 s

the thrust of 113 kN

the core mass of 2 645 kg

and the fuel temperature limit of 3 000 K. The open-source Monte Carlo software OpenMC was utilized to perform detailed three-dimensional neutronics calculations and conduct a comprehensive assessment of the reactor's criticality

safety

and burnup performance.

Results

The simulation results indicate that the Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) NTPR conceptual design

developed using the proposed method

has a thrust of 110 kN

a specific impulse of 872 s

a maximum full-power operating time of over 7 h

and a dry core weight of approximately 2.63 t. This core design preliminarily meets the design criteria for high thrust

high specific impulse

long service life

and lightweight.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the proposed method for NTPR core design is effective in meeting the demanding requirements of future manned deep space exploration missions

offering a promising direction for further research and development in this field.

关键词

Keywords

references

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