HIGH-TEMPERATURE VAPOR-FILLED THERMIONIC CONVERTER.
Abstract
The operating characteristics of plasma con verters utilizing bare uranium-zirconium carbide as the emitting surface were determined as a function of operational lifetime. The emitter design was cylindrical in a size representative of that expected in a space thermionic reactor. The electrode spacing varied from 0.040 in. early in the program to 0.012 in. An operational lifetime of 3000 hr was considered a reasonable goal. Elecly heated, as opposed to fis sion-heated, converters were selected as the most economical method of fulfilling these ob jectives. Six converters were operated for over 6000 hr at power levels of 10 to 40 w (1 to 4 w/sq cm) on a continuous-performance basis. A maximum power density of 6.8 w/sq cm was observed at an emitter temperature of 2245 K. The optimum Ce-reservoir temperature for all converters tested occurred at 605 to 630 K. Five of the 6 converters failed during operation owing to en velope leakage, resulting in the complete loss of cesium to the surrounding vacuum chamber. Despite the depletion of uranium from the bulk of the emitter, vacuum-emission currents measured pre- and post-test were nearly identical in magnitude. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 03, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0426882
Entities
People
- R. Skoff
Organizations
- General Dynamics