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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 109 records · Page 6

Computer controlled performance mapping of thermionic converters: effect of collector, guard-ring potential imbalances on the observed collector current-density, voltage characteristics and limited range performance map of an etched-rhenium, niobium planar converter

The effect of collector, guard-ring potential imbalance on the observed collector-current-density J, collector-to-emitter voltage V characteristic was evaluated in a planar, fixed-space, guard-ringed thermionic converter. The J,V characteristic was swept in a period of 15 msec by a variable load. A computerized data acquisition system recorded test parameters. The results indicate minimal distortion of the J,V curve in the power output quadrant for the nominal guard-ring circuit configuration. Considerable distortion, along with a lowering of the ignited-mode striking voltage, was observed for the configuration with the emitter shorted to the guard ring. A limited-range performance map of an etched-rhenium, niobium, planar converter was obtained by using an improved computer program for the data acquisition system.

Manista, E. J.↗

Computer acquired performance data from an etched-rhenium, molybdenum planar diode

Performance data from an etched-rhenium, molybdenum thermionic converter are presented. The planar converter has a guard-ringed collector and a fixed spacing of 0.254 mm (10 mils). The data were acquired by using a computer and are available on microfiche as individual or composite parametric current, voltage curves. The parameters are the temperatures of the emitter T sub E, collector T sub C and cesium reservoir T sub R. The composite plots have constant T sub E, and varying T sub C or T sub R, or both. The envelope and composite plots having constant I sub E are presented. The diode was tested at increments between 1500 and 2000 K for the emitter, 750 and 1100 K for the collector, and 540 and 640 K for the reservoir. In all, 774 individual current, voltage curves were obtained.

Manista, E. J.↗

Preparation and properties of polytetrafluoroethylene impregnated with rhenium oxides

The results of tests carried out to determine the properties of polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) impregnated with rhenium oxides are presented. The tests included measurement of physical properties of the impregnated material and investigation of the effects of preparation process variables. Based on the latter tests a mechanism to describe the permeation process is postulated which identifies the rate controlling step to be diffusion of ReF6 molecules into the solid during the initial ReF6 soak. Physical property tests indicated that the electronic conductance is increased by many orders of magnitude while the desirable properties of the PTFE remain virtually unchanged.

Leibecki, H. F.↗

Rhenium Prevents Corrosion

Rhenium layer inside carbon-composite thrust chamber prevents corrosion when liquid fluorine/hydrazine rocket engine is fired. Liner also eliminates erosion of solid propellant carbon nozzels.

Appel, M. A.↗

Characterization of Iridium Coated Rhenium Used in High-Temperature, Radiation-Cooled Rocket Thrusters

Materials used for radiation-cooled rocket thrusters must be capable of surviving under extreme conditions of high-temperatures and oxidizing environments. While combustion efficiency is optimized at high temperatures, many refractory metals are unsuitable for thruster applications due to rapid material loss from the formation of volatile oxides. This process occurs during thruster operation by reaction of the combustion products with the material surface. Aerojet Technical Systems has developed a thruster cone chamber constructed of Re coated with Ir on the inside surface where exposure to the rocket exhaust occurs. Re maintains its structural integrity at high temperature and the Ir coating is applied as an oxidation barrier. Ir also forms volatile oxide species (IrO2 and IrO3) but at a considerably slower rate than Re. In order to understand the performance limits of Ir-coated Re thrusters, we are investigating the interdiffusion and oxidation kinetics of Ir/Re. The formation of iridium and rhenium oxides has been monitored in situ by Raman spectroscopy during high temperature exposure to oxygen. For pure Ir, the growth of oxide films as thin as approximately 200 A could be easily detected and the formation of IrO2 was observed at temperatures as low as 600 C. Ir/Re diffusion test specimens were prepared by magnetron sputtering of Ir on Re substrates. Concentration profiles were determined by sputter Auger depth profiles of the heat treated specimens. Significant interdiffusion was observed at temperatures as low as 1000 C. Measurements of the activation energy suggest that below 1350 C, the dominant diffusion path is along defects, most likely grain boundaries, rather than bulk diffusion through the grains. The phases that form during interdiffusion have been examined by x ray diffraction. Analysis of heated test specimens indicates that the Ir-Re reaction produces a solid solution phase of Ir dissolved in the HCP structure of Re.

Stulen, R. H.↗