I have been part of physics (am receiving my MS in physics this May) for years and want to start working in it already. Are there any universities who are actively doing research on nuclear propulsion? Industries perhaps? What skills would be good to have to apply to such programs? What kind of ingenuity would be involved in order to make a real world simulation of a nuclear propelled device?
Ar,
Yes, there are companies engaged in studying this sort of work - message me and I can pass on names.
Skills? Knowledge of CFD, plasma physics, solid grasp of transport phenomena. Nuclear physics is handy too.
Note, many nuclear propulsion schemes merely use a reactor to heat a working fluid (lightbulbs, NERVA, and the like). Using the nuclear device to directly propel a craft is in the realms of Orion and (until certain laws get repealed - which may be anyday now) is not something that the US is engaged in. To the best of my knowledge.
Go to conferences, meet interesting people,and get involved. You might find yourself well-positioned for supporting letters of recommendation when opportunities come along. Good luck!
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