Statistical analysis and planning of multihundred-watt impact tests

Technical Report · Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1977

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5385868· OSTI ID:5385868

Martz, Jr, H F; Waterman, M S

Modular multihundred-watt (MHW) radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG's) are used as a power source for spacecraft. Due to possible environmental contamination by radioactive materials, numerous tests are required to determine and verify the safety of the RTG. There are results available from 27 fueled MHW impact tests regarding hoop failure, fingerprint failure, and fuel failure. Data from the 27 tests are statistically analyzed for relationships that exist between the test design variables and the failure types. Next, these relationships are used to develop a statistical procedure for planning and conducting either future MHW impact tests or similar tests on other RTG fuel sources. Finally, some conclusions are given.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 5385868
• Report Number(s): LA-6886-MS; TRN: 78-001444
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPES AND RADIATION SOURCES
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
IMPACT TESTS
PLANNING
SAFETY
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
MATERIALS TESTING
MECHANICAL TESTS
POWER SUPPLIES
TESTING
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
070300* - Isotopic Power Supplies
300302 - Thermoelectric Generators- Performance & Testing