SNAP 50/SPUR NUCLEAR MECHANICAL POWER UNIT EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. PART II. BEARINGS.
Abstract
Various combinations of bearing and seal materials have been evaluated to determine compatibility, torque values, and wear rates. It has been shown in these tests that an alloy of tungsten-carbide is well suited to the environment and operating conditions of a potassium turbine. Fundamental heat-transfer data has verified boiling stability and the high heat-transfer coefficients associated with potassium. This has been demonstrated with full-scale multitube boiler modules on two separate occasions. Tests of bearings, seals and rotor systems have shown the pivoted-pad bearing system to be well suited to meet the wide range of operating conditions anticipated for the potassium turbogenerator. Sufficient design parameters are available to develop a potassium turbine for a space system. Data now exists to reasonably predict system performance, material selection, and component design to meet a wide range of power-system requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0815583
Entities
People
- A. D. Rottler
- E. A. Kovacevich
- F. X. Dobler
- L. E. Chadbourne
- R. A. Collins