Thermionic space nuclear power programs in the US, FRG, France and the USSR in the early 1970s identified three primary issues which determine the performance and lifetime of the incore thermionic reactor. These are 1) thermionic converter electrical performance; 2) fuel swelling and 3) fast neutron damage to electrical insulators. For each issue, the phenomena of importance have been characterized and performance models have been developed to allow power system lifetime predictions. These models have been calibrated using the extensive existing data base which has been compiled over the past twenty years. This paper describes the phenomena, models, data base and examples of lifetime and performance predictions for representative thermionic power systems. In addition, additional required testing to further validate the performance is identified.
Thermionic fuel element verification issues
Erfolge bei der Verwirklichung des Thermionikkonverters
1986
2 Seiten, 3 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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