DIFFUSION OF POTASSIUM IN A LIQUID METAL CELL,

Abstract

This report presents the results of a study of potassium diffusion in the electrodes of a liquid metal cell (LMC) and its effect on cell performance. Experimental work 1nd analytical analyses were initiated to (1) investigate diffusion properties of amalgams, and (2) evaluate the effect of diffusion rate on LMC performance. Analyses of diffusion characteristics were conducted to relate electrode-electrolyte interface concentrations with bulk electrode concentrations as a function of diffusion coefficients. These analyses were programmed into a computer mathematical model. Attempts were made to correlate the mathematical model with data obtained from cells operated at the Allison Research Laboratories. System performance is presented for two basic cell configurations. The first cell, designed for space systems, is identical to that presented in Reference 1. The second is based on electrode thicknesses, electrolyte resistance, and concentrations currently experienced in the laboratory. Supplementary data regarding (1) interface concentration equation, (2) diffusion in the LMC, (3) parametric analysis of the liquid metal fuel cell, and (4) determination of diffusion coefficient are presented. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 21, 1964
Accession Number
AD0438407

Entities

People

  • R. B. Wright

Organizations

  • General Motors

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cells
  • Coefficients
  • Diffusion
  • Diffusion Coefficient
  • Electrodes
  • Electrolytes
  • Equations
  • Fuel Cells
  • Liquid Metals
  • Liquids
  • Mathematical Models
  • Metals
  • Models
  • Parametric Analysis
  • Potassium
  • Space Systems

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Calculus or Mathematical Analysis
  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster