Analytic model of the arc regime and optimization of thermionic converters

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1973 · Sov. Phys.-Tech. Phys. (Engl. Transl.), v. 17, no. 10, pp. 1684-1690

OSTI ID:4407985

Loshkarev, A I

Translated from Zh. Tekh. Fiz.; 42: No. 10, 2127-2136(Oct A low- voltage arc model is considered under the assumptlon that the temperatures of all the particles in the electrode gap are the same: The model takes account of volume ionization and recombination. If there are potential dlscontinuities that inhibit the electrons at the electrodes, homogeneous boundary conditions can be used with a high degree of accuracy. In this case the integrals of the transport equations are expressed in terms of elliptic functions, and their characteristlcs can be calculated by using a system of simple analytic expressions. The ionization state of the plasma is determined by a single parameter sigma that depends exponentially on the electron temperature. The influence of the gradient of the electron temperature is analyzed. It is shown that the mean plasma parameters are characterlzed by an average electron temperature, and that the output parameters can be calculated from relations that are valld for a model in which the particle temperature is constant over the gap. An approximate method is proposed for constructing the voltage-- current characteristic. The method takes account of the possible formation of a virtual cathode and yields good agreement with the appropriate experimental data. The optimum work function of the cathode and the optimum neutral density needed to ensure maximum output power are glven as functions of the cathode temperature and the gap for the arc and gaskinetic regimes. The arc regime is superior to the gas-kinetic regime in the range of useful cathode temperatures. The influence of addition of the inert gas is analyzed and conditions are indicated under which addition of an inert gas can lead to higher output. Optimum working conditions can be produced in the converter more effectively by raising the cesium pressure than by adding inert gas. (auth)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-29-002589
• OSTI ID: 4407985
• Journal Information: Sov. Phys.-Tech. Phys. (Engl. Transl.), v. 17, no. 10, pp. 1684-1690, Journal Name: Sov. Phys.-Tech. Phys. (Engl. Transl.), v. 17, no. 10, pp. 1684-1690; ISSN SPTPA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*THERMIONIC CONVERTERS-- OPTIMIZATION
CESIUM
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
IONIZATION
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
N42100* --Engineering--Energy Conversion
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PLASMA
PRESSURE DEPENDENCE
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE