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U.S. Department of Energy
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DC partial discharge/environmental test screening of space TWTs

Conference · · Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5412665
Direct-current partial discharge/environmental tests are being conducted on traveling wave tubes (TWTs) designated for long-term space operation to screen out tubes with high voltage defects. Two types of TWTs with different external high-voltage insulation are being examined: TWTs with polymeric potting, and TWTs with ceramic feedthroughs. Detection of high voltage defects in the form of cracks and separations in potted systems is enhanced by combining dc partial discharge testing with environmental (temperature and pressure) testing. These defects are usually caused by high stresses in the potting produced during temperature excursions by the difference in thermal expansion between the potting material and the confining ceramic-metal structure. Tests of all-ceramic-insulated TWTs indicate that the high voltage problem is internal to the vacuum envelope and requires both leakage and discharge measurements for diagnosis. This problem appears to be field emission from contaminated surfaces.
Research Organization:
Materials Sciences Laboratory, Laboratory Operations, The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, CA
OSTI ID:
5412665
Report Number(s):
CONF-830812-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States) Journal Volume: 5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English