Parametric investigation of mercury hollow cathode neutralizers

From the results of this study, the following conclusions emerge: 1) The colloid core concept is feasible from the standpoint of reactor design. With a solid particulate fuel a specific impulse of 1200 lb-sec/lbw is obtainable. 2) The preliminary design of the GTR resulted in a weight of about 41,000 Ib (or 19,000 kg) for a thrust of 100,000 Ib (45,000 kg). No attempt was made to optimize the weight of the ground test system. 3) Several technological problem areas requiring further examination may be recommended, i.e.: a) fuel vaporization losses, b) fuel particle fission fragmentation, and c) liner material erosion.