LITERATURE SURVEY ON THE SURFACE STRUCTURES OF REFRACTORY METALS WITH REFERENCE TO THE THERMIONIC EMISSION AND ENERGY CONVERTERS.
Abstract
The thermionic converter directly transforms heat into electricity. The conversion efficiency of these devices is maximized when the emitter and collector surfaces have optimum work functions that are uniform over the surfaces. This implies a surface consisting of a single type of crystallographic plane. A review of the literature has been made with respect to the surface structures of the refractory metals and the treatments producing these structures. There is direct evidence that single crystals, properly treated, and that well-oriented, properly-treated polycrystalline material can provide surfaces with relatively uniform work functions. There is reason to believe that, with suitable chemi-thermal treatments and induced material transport, one could produce a uniform work function surface on randomly oriented, polycrystalline material. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0636954
Entities
People
- Jacob Babakian
- Welville B. Nowak
Organizations
- Northeastern University