3 ms·

But why Aerogel? Is it easily compressible?

• nicwolff 3y ago
  From the poster that gene-h linked: > Why Aerogel? > - Individual fuel particles must be micron sized to permit fission fragment escape > - Accumulation of critical mass of micron dust particles presents a challenge (levitation not feasible) > - Embedding in solid material could solve this, but need very low density to allow FF escape > - High temperature, low density, IR-transparent aerogel is an ideal matrix for fission fragment engine core
  • iwwr 3y ago
    Thanks! So basically the fragments are escaping through the aerogel.
    • db48x 3y ago
      Yep. Then, because they are electrically charged and inside a magnetic field, they are accelerated out of the core and become propellant. If the magnetic field is strong enough, it seems they can reach quite a high speed. 5% of the speed of light even. It would be pretty cool to go to Mars and back on 20kg of fuel.