Artificial heart system thermal converter and blood pump component research and development
A bench model version of a nuclear-powered artificial heart system to be used as a replacement for the natural heart was constructed and tested as a part of a broader U. S. ERDA program. The objective of the broader program has been to develop a prototype of a fully implantable nuclear-powered total artificial heart system powered by the thermal energy of plutonium-238 and having minimum weight and volume and a minimum life of ten years. As a forward step in this broader program, component research and development has been carried out directed towards a fully implantable and advanced version of the bench model (IVBM). Some of the results of the component research and development effort on a Stirling engine, blood pump drive mechanisms, and coupling mechanisms are presented. The Stirling-mechanical system under development is shown. There are three major subassemblies: the thermal converter, the coupling mechanism, and the blood pump drive mechanism. The thermal converter uses a Stirling cycle to convert the heat of the plutonium-238 fueled heat source to a rotary shaft power output. The coupling mechanism changes the orientation of the output shaft by 90 degrees and transmits the pumping power by wire-wound core flexible shafting to the pumping mechanism. The coupling mechanism also provides routing of the coolant lines which carry the cycle waste heat from the thermal converter to the blood pump. The change in orientation of the thermal converter output shaft is for convenience in implanting in a calf. This orientation of thermal converter to blood pump seemed to give the best overall system fit in a calf based on fit trials with wooden models in a calf cadaver. (RCK)
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-33-005674
- OSTI ID:
- 4170549
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 10. intersociety energy conversion engineering conference, Newark, Delaware, USA, 17 Aug 1975; Other Information: See CONF-750812--. Orig. Receipt Date: 30-JUN-76; Related Information: Tenth intersociety energy conversion engineering conference
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Biomedical engineering support. Final report, June 15, 1971--June 30, 1979
Artificial heart development program phase III summary report, July 1, 1973--September 30, 1977. Volume I. System development
Related Subjects
070301* -Isotope & Radiation Source Technology-Isotopic Power Supplies-Design & Fabrication
*MECHANICAL HEART- RESEARCH PROGRAMS
PLUTONIUM 238
POWER SUPPLIES
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
STIRLING ENGINES
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems