THERMIONIC CONVERTER LIFE AND REPEATABILITY INVESTIGATION.
Abstract
Efforts included emitter and collector work function measurements of three converters which are on life-test. No appreciable change in either the emitter or the collector work function was found with time of operation. Metallurgical and chemical analysis was performed on one converter (403-series) that failed after 879 cycles of operation. Mass spectrometric analysis was conducted of the gases evolved during outgassing of one converter, (403-series). Two converters of the 402-series are still being life-tested. These converters are being operated on a steady-state basis, and have passed 11,000 hours, and 10,000 hours respectively of continuous operation with corresponding power desity outputs of 16.5 w/sq. cm. and 16.6 w/sq. cm. Two converters of a 403-series are being life-tested on a steady-state basis. The power density outputs of these converters were 17.8 w/sq. cm. after 4,000 hours, and 17.3 w/sq. cm. after 3,400 hours of operation, respectively. All converters operate at an output voltage of 0.7 volt and an emitter temperature of 2000 K. One converter of the 404-series was acceptance-teted and subsequently delivered to AFAPL.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0480953
Entities
People
- C. Z. Kamien
- L. Van Someren
- T. Athanis