FINAL SAFETY ANALYSIS REPORT. SNAP III THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR

Technical Report · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1960

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4110813· OSTI ID:4110813

Hagis, W; Dix, G P

The SNAP-III thermoelectric generator procedures power from the decay heat of 2100 curies of Po/sup 210/. This generator is to be used as a source of auxiliary power in a terrestrial satellite. For purposes of analysis, the satellite system postulated is launched from the Pacific Missile Bange into a 275- statute mile polar orbit with an orbital lifetime of about 1 year. Po/sup 210/ is an alpha emitter having a half life of 138 days and alpha and gamma decay energies of 5.3 and 0.8 mev, respectively. It is a natural component of the earth's crust, as a member of the uranium disintegration series. Sampling of polonium in the biosphere was conducted specifically for this program to determine background radiation levels. Since the fuel is primarily an alpha emitter, there is no direct radiation problem. An analysis was performed to determine the ability of the fuel container to withstand the various thermal, mechanical, and chemical forces imposed upon the generator by vehicle failures. Where theoretical analysis was impossible and experimental evidence was desired, capsules and generators were tested under simulated missile-failure conditions, Thus, the safety limits of SNAP-III in a satellite application were defined. SNAP-III is designed to be aerothermodynamically consumed on reentry into the earth's atmosphere so that the polonium will be dispersed as aerosols in the upper stratosphere. Since heating rates will be lower for aborts occurring prior to orbiting, 65 abort cases have been considered to define the general consequences of vehicle failures. The spatial and temporal relations of vehicle aborts are summarized in cartographic and tabular form. (auth)

• Research Organization: Martin Co. Nuclear Div., Baltimore
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AT(30-3)-217
• NSA Number: NSA-15-008401
• OSTI ID: 4110813
• Report Number(s): MND-P-2364
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

AEROSOLS
ALPHA DECAY
CORROSION
DISPERSIONS
FAILURES
GAMMA RADIATION
GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
POLONIUM 210
RADIOACTIVITY
RE-ENTRY
SAFETY
SATELLITES
SNAP SYSTEMS
SPACE VEHICLES
TABLES
TENSILE PROPERTIES
TESTING
THERMAL STRESSES
THERMOELECTRIC CELLS