Nuclear closed-cycle gaseous heat engine concept

A nuclear closed-cycle gaseous heat engine concept is presented in which mechanical or electrical power is produced from the fission of uranium hexafluoride (UF/sub 6/). The engine consists of a reaction chamber and piston, a regenerator, a cooler, and an expansion/compression cylinder and piston. The concept is envisioned to be useful for applications for which heat sources (fossil fuel) are not easily obtained, such as for remote terrestrial or space power generation. Potential advantages include simplicity, easily transportable fuel, and reliability. The major unresolved issues include corrosion, nuclear/thermodynamic interactions, and the relatively low operating speed of the engine.<
>