EFFECT OF INTERELECTRODE SPACING ON CESIUM THERMIONIC CONVERTER PERFORMANCE

Journal Article · Tue Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1960 · Journal of Applied Physics (U.S.)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1735500· OSTI ID:4084077

Hirsch, R L

In the cesium thermionic conventer, energy dissipating interactions occur between emitted electrons and the "plasma," thus reducing the net electrical output. These interactions can be suppressed by reducing either the cesium pressure or the interelectrode distance. At very high emitter temperatures cesium primarily neutralizes space charges and its effects on the emitter work function are small. For operation at moderate temperatures (1400 to 2000 deg C), cesium may modify the emitter work function as well as reduce space charge. In this mode of operation, the cesium pressure is fixed, and departure from this optimum pressure results in drastic reductions in converter output. The interelectrode spacing then becomes a variable of great importance. The results of experiments conducted with a variable spacing converter at 1400 to 2000 deg C affirm the importance of spacing. These results are presented graphically for: spacing as a function of specific power at temperatures of 1650, l700, 1750, and 1800 deg C; current as a function of voltage for interelectrode spacings of 3, l5, and 60 mils; and specific power as a function of voltage at spacings of 3, 15, and 60 mils. (B.O.G.)

• Research Organization: Atomics International, Canoga Park, Calif.
• NSA Number: NSA-15-005517
• OSTI ID: 4084077
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics (U.S.), Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics (U.S.) Journal Issue: 11 Vol. Vol: 31; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CESIUM
CONVERSION
ELECTRONS
ENERGY
INTERACTIONS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PHYSICS
PLASMA
PRESSURE
TEMPERATURE
THERMIONICS