EFFECT OF ELECTRODE CONFIGURATION ON THERMIONIC CONVERTER OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS.
Abstract
The work function of a large planar polycrystalline rhenium emitter in the presence of cesium vapor was determined through measurements of the lower mode saturation current. The range of measurement of emitter temperatures was 700K to 2100K and of cesium vapor pressures, 0.0002 to 2 mm Hg. The experimental results were extrapolated ty another order of magnitude to cesium pressures up to 30 mm Hg to cover the whole range of operations of a thermionic converter. A map showing all the thermionic properties of a rhenium emitter was prepared. In addition, the work function of a polycrystalline molybdenum collector, in the presence of cesium vapor, was determined experimentally through both emission and collection processes. Based on the data obtained, the performance of the thermionic converter was correlated in terms of the deviation of the actual performance from the 'ideal' performance. Particular attention was focused on the current deficiency under ionrich conditions. A detailed description of the test vehicle is given. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0607528
Entities
People
- A. Shavit
- S. S. Kirtrilakis