General-purpose heat source: Research and development program. Radioisotope thermoelectric generator impact tests: RTG-1 and RTG-2
The General-Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) provides power for space missions by transmitting the heat of {sup 238}Pu decay to an array of thermoelectric elements in a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). Because the potential for a launch abort or return from orbit exists for any space mission, the heat source response to credible accident scenarios is being evaluated. The first two RTG Impact Tests were designed to provide information on the response of a fully loaded RTG to end-on impact against a concrete target. The results of these tests indicated that at impact velocities up to 57 m/s the converter shell and internal components protect the GPHS capsules from excessive deformation. At higher velocities, some of the internal components of the RTG interact with the GPHS capsules to cause excessive localized deformation and failure.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 279655
- Report Number(s):
- LA--13147; ON: DE96013914
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
CRACK PROPAGATION
CRACKS
FAILURES
FRAGMENTATION
FUEL CANS
FUEL PELLETS
GRAPHITE
IMPACT TESTS
IRIDIUM BASE ALLOYS
LAUNCHING
MAXIMUM CREDIBLE ACCIDENT
MICROSTRUCTURE
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
ORIENTATION
PARTICLE SIZE
PLUTONIUM 238
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
SAFETY
SATURN PLANET
SPACE VEHICLES
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
URANIUM OXIDES
WELDED JOINTS