TL;DRAbstract
Power systems that are used to provide electrical power in space are designed to optimize conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy and to minimize the mass and volume that must be launched. Only refractory metals and their alloys have sufficient long-term strength for several years of uninterrupted operation at the temperatures required (e.g., >1200 K). The high power densities and temperatures at which these reactors must operate require the use of liquid-metal coolants. The alloy Nb-1 wt % (Nb-1Zr), which exhibits excellent corrosion resistance to alkali liquid-metals at high temperatures, is being considered for the fuel cladding, reactor structural, and heat transport systems for current space exploration missions. Useful lifetimes of these power systems are limited by creep deformation in the reactor core. Nb-1Zr sheet procured to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications for rector grade and commercial grade has been processed by several different
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Power systems that are used to provide electrical power in space are designed to optimize conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy and to minimize the mass and volume that must be launched. Only refractory metals and their alloys have sufficient long-term strength for several years of uninterrupted operation at the temperatures required (e.g., >1200 K). The high power densities and temperatures at which these reactors must operate require the use of liquid-metal coolants. The alloy Nb-1 wt % (Nb-1Zr), which exhibits excellent corrosion resistance to alkali liquid-metals at high temperatures, is being considered for the fuel cladding, reactor structural, and heat transport systems for current space exploration missions. Useful lifetimes of these power systems are limited by creep deformation in the reactor core. Nb-1Zr sheet procured to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications for rector grade and commercial grade has been processed by several different
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