Step 1: Understand the problem and the given information.
We are given a triangle \( \triangle ABC \) with sides \( a = 30 \), \( b = 24 \), and \( c = 18 \).
We are asked to find \( r_3 \), which refers to the radius of the excircle opposite vertex \( C \).
Step 2: Use the formula for the excircle radius.
The radius \( r_3 \) of the excircle opposite vertex \( C \) is given by the formula:
\[
r_3 = \frac{K}{s - c}
\]
where \( K \) is the area of the triangle and \( s \) is the semi-perimeter.
Step 3: Calculate the semi-perimeter.
The semi-perimeter \( s \) is given by:
\[
s = \frac{a + b + c}{2} = \frac{30 + 24 + 18}{2} = 36
\]
Step 4: Calculate the area using Heron's formula.
The area \( K \) of the triangle can be calculated using Heron's formula:
\[
K = \sqrt{s(s - a)(s - b)(s - c)}
\]
Substituting the values of \( s \), \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \):
\[
K = \sqrt{36(36 - 30)(36 - 24)(36 - 18)} = \sqrt{36 \times 6 \times 12 \times 18}
\]
Simplifying:
\[
K = \sqrt{36 \times 6 \times 12 \times 18} = \sqrt{46656} = 216
\]
Step 5: Substitute into the formula for \( r_3 \).
Now we can substitute the values of \( K \), \( s \), and \( c \) into the formula for \( r_3 \):
\[
r_3 = \frac{216}{36 - 18} = \frac{216}{18} = 12
\]
Step 6: Conclusion.
Thus, the radius of the excircle opposite vertex \( C \) is \( r_3 = 12 \), corresponding to option (D).