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Thermionic converter emitter support arrangement

Thesis/Dissertation ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6735751· OSTI ID:6735751
 [1]
  1. Georgia Technologies, Inc., San Diego, CA (United States)

This document discusses a support provided for use in a thermionic converter to support an end of an emitter to keep it out of contact with a surrounding collector while allowing the emitter end to move axially as its temperature changes. The emitter end is supported by a spring structure that includes a pair of Belleville springs, and the spring structure is supported by a support structure fixed to the housing that includes the collector. The support structure is in the form of a sandwich with a small metal spring-engaging element at the front end, a larger metal main support at the rear end that is attached to the housing, and with a ceramic layer between them that is bonded by hot isostatic pressing to the metal element and metal main support. The spring structure can include a loose wafer captured between the Belleville springs.

Research Organization:
Georgia Technologies, Inc., San Diego, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-86SF16298
OSTI ID:
6735751
Report Number(s):
PATENTS-US--A7376071; ON: DE90015132; PPN: US 7-376071
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English