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RTG

Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) are devices that use decay heat produced by radioactive isotopes to create power. Thermoelctric Generator modules use semi-conductors to convert the thermal energy into electric energy. RTGs are used in to power deep space probes, satellites, lunar missions, and even Mars Rovers. Our goal is to improve the RTG design used for powering lunar missions. We changed the heat decay mode from radiative heat decay to conductive heat decay into the lunar soil. The first step of this design was to determine the best geometry for the RTG.

To determine the best geometry for the RTG we used StarCCM+ to simulate the devices running. The two geometries test were hexagonal and octagonal. The images shown below detail the CAD used and the temperature distribution found after the simulations finished.

A summary was submitted and accepted to the American Nuclear Society student design competition based on this RTG design. However, the conference and competition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nuclear Hot Air Balloon

The Nuclear Hot Air Balloon was a wholly theoretical concept that was not intended for practical implementation or scaled demonstration. Its primary purpose was to enhance the understanding of nuclear science and engineering among new members. The concept involved incorporating a nuclear fission reactor onto a balloon-craft, wherein the heat generated from the reactor would be transferred to a heat exchanger. This heated air would create buoyancy in the craft, allowing it to theoretically fly. Additionally, the excess heat would be utilized to generate electricity through a lightweight turbine, which would, in turn, power propellers for maneuvering the craft.

It was found that using modern approved fission reactor designs, there was no way to generate enough lift from hot air alone to successfully levitate the balloon craft, however, the team has plans to return to this design for use in extra-planetary atmospheric missions. The weight of the craft and safety concerns of the reactor could be to some degree lessened, allowing the design to achieve a level of practicality not seen on earth.