General-purpose Heat Source: Research and Development Program. Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Impact Tests: RTG-1 and RTG-2

General-purpose Heat Source: Research and Development Program. Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Impact Tests: RTG-1 and RTG-2 PDF Author:
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Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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The General-Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) provides power for space missions by transmitting the heat of [sup 238]Pu decay to an array of thermoelectric elements in a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). Because the potential for a launch abort or return from orbit exists for any space mission, the heat source response to credible accident scenarios is being evaluated. The first two RTG Impact Tests were designed to provide information on the response of a fully loaded RTG to end-on impact against a concrete target. The results of these tests indicated that at impact velocities up to 57 m/s the converter shell and internal components protect the GPHS capsules from excessive deformation. At higher velocities, some of the internal components of the RTG interact with the GPHS capsules to cause excessive localized deformation and failure.

General-purpose Heat Source: Research and Development Program. Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Impact Tests: RTG-1 and RTG-2

General-purpose Heat Source: Research and Development Program. Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Impact Tests: RTG-1 and RTG-2 PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
The General-Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) provides power for space missions by transmitting the heat of [sup 238]Pu decay to an array of thermoelectric elements in a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). Because the potential for a launch abort or return from orbit exists for any space mission, the heat source response to credible accident scenarios is being evaluated. The first two RTG Impact Tests were designed to provide information on the response of a fully loaded RTG to end-on impact against a concrete target. The results of these tests indicated that at impact velocities up to 57 m/s the converter shell and internal components protect the GPHS capsules from excessive deformation. At higher velocities, some of the internal components of the RTG interact with the GPHS capsules to cause excessive localized deformation and failure.

General-purpose Heat Source

General-purpose Heat Source PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 31

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Book Description
The general-purpose heat source provides power for space missions by transmitting the heat of 238Pu decay to an array of thermoelectric elements in a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). Because the potential for a launch abort or return from orbit exists for any space mission, the heat source response to credible accident scenarios is being evaluated. This test was designed to provide information on the response of a loaded RTG to impact by a fragment similar to the type of fragment produced by breakup of the spacecraft propulsion module system. The results of this test indicated that impact by a thin aluminum fragment traveling at 306 m/s may result in significant damage to the converter housing, failure of one fueled clad, and release of a small quantity of fuel.

GPHS-RTG System Explosion Test Direct Course Experiment 5000. [General Purpose Heat Source-Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator].

GPHS-RTG System Explosion Test Direct Course Experiment 5000. [General Purpose Heat Source-Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator]. PDF Author:
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Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
The General Purpose Heat Source-Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (GPHS-RTG) has been designed and is being built to provide electrical power for spacecrafts to be launched on the Space Shuttle. The objective of the RTG System Explosion Test was to expose a mock-up of the GPHS-RTG with a simulated heat source to the overpressure and impulse representative of a potential upper magnitude explosion of the Space Shuttle. The test was designed so that the heat source module would experience an overpressure at which the survival of the fuel element cladding would be expected to be marginal. Thus, the mock-up was placed where the predicted incident overpressure would be 1300 psi. The mock-up was mounted in an orientation representative of the launch configuration on the spacecraft to be used on the NASA Galileo Mission. The incident overpressure measured was in the range of 1400 to 2100 psi. The mock-up and simulated heat source were destroyed and only very small fragments were recovered. This damage is believed to have resulted from a combination of the overpressure and impact by very high velocity fragments from the ANFO sphere. Post-test analysis indicated that extreme working of the iridium clad material occurred, indicative of intensive impulsive loading on the metal.

The Technology of Discovery

The Technology of Discovery PDF Author: David Friedrich Woerner
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119811368
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 340

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Book Description
The Technology of Discovery Incisive discussions of a critical mission-enabling technology for deep space missions In The Technology of Discovery: Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators and Thermoelectric Technologies for Space Exploration, distinguished JPL engineer and manager David Woerner delivers an insightful discussion of how radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) are used in the exploration of space. It also explores their history, function, their market potential, and the governmental forces that drive their production and design. Finally, it presents key technologies incorporated in RTGs and their potential for future missions and design innovation. The author provides a clear and understandable treatment of the subject, ranging from straightforward overviews of the technology to complex discussions of the field of thermoelectrics. Included is also background on NASA’s decision to resurrect the GPHS-RTG and discussion of the future of commercialization of nuclear space missions. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to RTGs, as well as their invention, history, and evolution Comprehensive explorations of the contributions made by RTGs to US space exploration Practical discussions of the evolution, selection, and production of RPS fuels In-depth examinations of technologies and generators currently in development, including skutterudite thermoelectrics for an enhanced MMRTG Perfect for space explorers, aerospace engineers, managers, and scientists, The Technology of Discovery will also earn a place in the libraries of NASA archivists and other historians.

Energy Research Abstracts

Energy Research Abstracts PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Power resources
Languages : en
Pages : 420

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ERDA Energy Research Abstracts

ERDA Energy Research Abstracts PDF Author: United States. Energy Research and Development Administration
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Medicine
Languages : en
Pages : 600

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ERDA Energy Research Abstracts

ERDA Energy Research Abstracts PDF Author: United States. Energy Research and Development Administration. Technical Information Center
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Force and energy
Languages : en
Pages : 588

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ERDA Energy Research Abstracts

ERDA Energy Research Abstracts PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 724

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Energy: a Continuing Bibliography with Indexes

Energy: a Continuing Bibliography with Indexes PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fuel
Languages : en
Pages : 610

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Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports

Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Aeronautics
Languages : en
Pages : 518

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