THERMIONIC CONVERTER LIFE AND REPEATABILITY INVESTIGATION.
Abstract
This report covers the work accomplished on thermionic converters, generators, and thermionic converter additives. Efforts during this quarter included emitter and collector work function measurements of five converters which are on life-test. No appreciable change in either the emitter or the collector work function has been found with time of operation. Metallurgical and chemical analysis has been performed on one converter (403-series) that failed after 993 cycles of operation. Five converters are being life-tested on a steady-state basis and all five have surpassed the contract goal of 5000 hours of continuous operation. Two converters of the 402-series have passed 13200 and 12100 hours of operation respectively, and at the end of the reporting period, had identical power density outputs of 16.6 W/sq cm. Three converters of the 403-series have passed 6200, 5300 and 5000 hours of operation respectively, with corresponding power density outputs of 17.3, 17.8 and 16.5 W/sq cm. One converter of the 404-series was acceptance-tested. All converters operate at an output voltage of 0.7 volt and an emitter temperature of 2000 K.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0485896
Entities
People
- L. Van Someren
- T. Athanis