LIQUID METAL-HEATED SPACE RADIATOR-MOUNTED THERMIONIC GENERATOR.
Abstract
A program is being conducted for the Air Force to evaluate thermionic generators suitable for liquid metal heating in space radiator configurations. The thermionic generator incorporates a tantalum alloy liquid metal containment tube installed from a tungsten-rhenium alloy emitter by beryllia. The collector is made of nickel. During this report period the work involved the final assembly and the initial testing of the generators. At the design emitter temperature, 1500 C, the power output recorded is 5.8 w/sq. cm and the efficiency is 9.7%. The testing uncovered a form of thermal instability due to the effects of electron heating of the collector. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0437926
Entities
People
- F. C. Harter
Organizations
- Pratt & Whitney