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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

THERMIONIC SPACE POWER REACTOR SYSTEM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. Annual Summary Report, May 1, 1962-April 30, 1963

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4083126· OSTI ID:4083126
Activities in a program to test and develop prototype fission-heated thermionic cells for space uses are reported. During the period, in-reactor tests were conducted on two W-clad U-bearing fuel emitters and one unclad type. Fuel emitter proof tests were also conducted which demonstrated 1000-hr operational capability of W-clad systems. Output power density and the temperature of heat rejection were found to have major effects on the weight- performance characteristics of the system. Advances in techniques related to W vapor deposition are reported. Descriptions of the fuel-emitter development, cell design and development, and testing of out-of-pile and in-pile cells are included. Operation of the clad-type test cells at design power and temperature led to selection of these cells for planned long-duration in-pile tests. (J.R.D.)
Research Organization:
General Atomic Div. General Dynamics Corp., San Diego, Calif.
DOE Contract Number:
AT(04-3)-167
NSA Number:
NSA-18-014778
OSTI ID:
4083126
Report Number(s):
GA-4071
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English