Refractory metal alloys and composites for space nuclear power systems
Space power requirements for future NASA and other United States missions will range from a few kilowatts to megawatts of electricity. Maximum efficiency is a key goal of any power system in order to minimize weight and size so that the space shuttle may be used a minimum number of times to put the power supply into orbit. Nuclear power has been identified as the primary power source to meet these high levels of electrical demand. One method to achieve maximum efficiency is to operate the power supply, energy conversion system, and related components at relatively high temperatures. For systems now in the planning stages, design temperatures range from 1300 K for the immediate future to as high as 1700 K for the advanced systems. NASA Lewis Research Center has undertaken a research program on advanced technology of refractory metal alloys and composites that will provide base line information for space power systems in the 1900's and the 21st century. Special emphasis is focused on the refractory metal alloys of niobium and on the refractory metal composites which utilize tungsten alloy wire for reinforcement. Basic research on the creep and creep-rupture properties of wires, matrices, and composites will be discussed. 20 refs., 27 figs., 1 tab.
- Research Organization:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (USA). Lewis Research Center
- DOE Contract Number:
- AI03-86SF16310
- OSTI ID:
- 5790214
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/NASA/16310-8; NASA-TM-101364; CONF-880901-17; ON: DE89007052
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Metallurgical Society fall meeting and American Society for Metals (ASM) materials week, Chicago, IL (United States), 24-30 Sep 1988
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
NIOBIUM ALLOYS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
NIOBIUM BASE ALLOYS
SPACE POWER REACTORS
TUNGSTEN BASE ALLOYS
ZIRCONIUM ALLOYS
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
CREEP
FIBERS
HEAT TREATMENTS
MATERIALS TESTING
MICROSTRUCTURE
REFRACTORY METALS
VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE
WELDABILITY
ALLOYS
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
ELEMENTS
MATERIALS
METALS
MOBILE REACTORS
POWER REACTORS
REACTORS
TESTING
TUNGSTEN ALLOYS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
360103* - Metals & Alloys- Mechanical Properties
360101 - Metals & Alloys- Preparation & Fabrication
360102 - Metals & Alloys- Structure & Phase Studies
210600 - Power Reactors
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220600 - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Research
Test & Experimental Reactors