CLOSED CYCLE GAS TURBINE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT FOR SUBMARINE PROPULSION

The pressurized light water reactor propulsion plant and related machinery occupy about 50% of the interior usable volume of present nuclear attack submarines. If a smaller general purpose attack submarine with significant warfare capability is desired, then substantial reductions in size will require new, innovative technology for the propulsion plant. One such technology with promise for a revolutionary improvement in nuclear propulsion system performance in a reduced physical envelope is a high temperature gas-cooled reactor as the heat source in a closed gas turbine (Brayton) cycle driving an advanced electric propulsion plant. Direct and indirect closed Brayton cycle gas turbine propulsion plant parameters are developed for a reference attack submarine.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Naval Engrs J, v 107 n 6, Nov 1995, p 35 [7 p, 14 ref, 3 tab, 5 fig]
• Authors:
  • Gouge, M J
• Publication Date: 1995

Language

• English

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Engine cycle; Gas turbines; Nuclear power plants; Submarines
• Old TRIS Terms: Closed cycles
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00727427
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 1 1996 12:00AM