PRELIMINARY SAFETY ANALYSIS LOW POWER CERIUM-144 GENERATOR
A safety analysis of small Ce/sup 144/ fueled thermoelectric generators for use in terrestrial satellite systems is given. The Ce/sup 144/ fuel is enclosed in a capsule of Haynes25, which is to be maintained at 580 deg C during operation. Lead telluride thermoelectric elements surround the capsule and are contained in an outer stainless steel shell. In one configuration a second shell filled with Hg is used for biological shielding. The biological shield reduces the direct radiation dose from decay gammas and bremsstrahlung to 90 mr/hr at 3 ft. The integrity of the fuel capsule under the spectrum of launch failure forces is considered. These forces include internal pressure, external forces from shock overpressures and impact, corrosion, and propellant fires. Following successful missions, the fuel is to be released in the stratosphere at a time when the source strength is about 4000 c. Resultant ground concentrations would be 2 x 10-/sup 9/c/sq mile and 0.053 mc/sq km for temperate zone and prompt stratospheric releases, respectively. (C.J.G.)
- Research Organization:
- Martin Co. Nuclear Div., Baltimore
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(30-3)-217
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-000748
- OSTI ID:
- 4123642
- Report Number(s):
- MND-P-2363
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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