HIGH-TEMPERATURE VAPOR-FILLED THERMIONIC CONVERTER
Abstract
Post-test analysis of Cell E indicates the necessity of improving the cleanliness of future cellASSEMBLIES AND ESPECIALLY THE NEED FOR TECHNIQUES TO DETERMINE THE EMITTER CONDITION THROUGHOUT FINAL ASSEMBLY. A 10 UC - 90 ZrC emitter is installed in Cell F. Thermocouple installation and calibration and high-temperature vacuum emission tests are being conducted prior to the final closure of the cell. Recent vacuum emission studies carried out under other contracts on three UC compositions--10 UC - 90 ZrC, 30 UC - 70 ZrC, and 90 UC - 10 ZrC--demonstrate that emission behavior is essentially independent of bulk U content. The presence of some U on the emitting surface is of the utmost importance. Intentional ''poisoning'' of the surface of sample emitters has been produced by exposure to air at room temperature. These findings have been substantiated on the Mark V-E and V-F emitters. It has been concluded that the emitter surface must be activated in addition to providing a clean cell environment during operation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 10, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0289805
Entities
People
- W. Godsin
Organizations
- General Dynamics