Thin Film Sensors for Fission Surface Power

John D Wrbanek

NASA NTRS · 20240010391

Thin Film Sensors for Fission Surface Power

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Abstract

Physical sensors fabricated with thin films could result a significant savings in space and weight with improved reliability for monitoring the long-term operation of fission surface power systems. Thin film sensors of 1 µm or less are attractive for FSP applications because they can be incorporated onto component surfaces with minimal machining and the additional weight to a system is minimal compared to thick film-, wire-, or foil-based sensors. The thin, surface fabrication of the sensors is also expected to make them less susceptible to deep dose effects that affect thicker sensors. An overview of thin film sensors using thermocouples and resistive elements designed, fabricated, and demonstrated at GRC for aerospace applications exceeding 900°C is presented.

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Physical Sensors Multifunctional Sensors Flow Sensors Thermocouples Heat Flux Sensors Strain gauges Thin Film Sensors Space Nuclear Propulsion Fission Surface Power

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John D Wrbanek. Thin Film Sensors for Fission Surface Power. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20240010391

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