Problems in developing bimodal space power and propulsion system fuel element

Journal Article · Fri Jan 10 00:00:00 EST 1997 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.52037· OSTI ID:21165739

Nikolaev, Yu V; Gontar, A S; Zaznoba, V A; Parshin, N Ya; Ponomarev-Stepnoi, N N; Usov, V A ^[1]

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1. Research Institute of SIA 'Lutch' Podolsk, Moscow Region, 142100 (Russian Federation)

The paper discusses design of a space nuclear power and propulsion system fuel element (PPFE) developed on the basis of an enhanced single-cell thermionic fuel element (TFE) of the 'TOPAZ-2' thermionic converter-reactor (TCR), and presents the PPFE performance for propulsion and power modes of operation. The choice of UC-TaC fuel composition is substantiated. Data on hydrogen effect on the PPFE output voltage are presented, design solutions are considered that allow to restrict hydrogen supply to an interelectrode gap (IEG). Long-term geometric stability of an emitter assembly is supported by calculated data.

• OSTI ID: 21165739
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 387, Issue 1; Conference: STAIF-97: Space technology and applications international forum, Albuquerque, NM (United States), 26-30 Jan 1997; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.52037; (c) 1997 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
DESIGN
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
HYDROGEN
NUCLEAR POWER
PERFORMANCE
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
REACTOR OPERATION
SPACE
TANTALUM CARBIDES
THERMIONIC CONVERSION
THERMIONIC CONVERTERS
THERMIONIC EMITTERS
THERMIONIC FUEL ELEMENTS
THERMIONIC REACTORS
TOPAZ REACTOR
URANIUM CARBIDES
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems