Open AccessGeneral-purpose heat source: Research and development program, radioisotope thermoelectric generator/thin fragment impact test
Author(s) -
M.A.H. Reimus,
J.E. Hinckley
Publication year - 1996
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/426952
Subject(s) - thermoelectric generator , spacecraft , fragment (logic) , propulsion , generator (circuit theory) , nuclear engineering , thermoelectric effect , aerospace engineering , orbit (dynamics) , environmental science , physics , computer science , electrical engineering , power (physics) , engineering , quantum mechanics , thermodynamics , programming language
The general-purpose heat source 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. 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