05106nam 2200505 450 991083102960332120230511103056.01-119-81139-21-119-81138-4(MiAaPQ)EBC7192102(Au-PeEL)EBL7192102(CKB)26094844000041(EXLCZ)992609484400004120230511d2023 uy 0engurcnu||||||||txtrdacontentcrdamediacrrdacarrierThe technology of discovery radioisotope thermoelectric generators and thermoelectric technologies for space exploration /David Frederich WoernerHoboken, New Jersey :Wiley,[2023]©20231 online resource (381 pages)JPL space science and technology seriesPrint version: Woerner, David Friedrich The Technology of Discovery Newark : John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated,c2023 9781119811367 Includes bibliographical references and index.Intro -- Table of Contents -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Foreward -- Note From the Series Editor -- Preface -- Authors -- Reviewers -- Acknowledgments -- Glossary -- List of Acronyms and Abbreviations -- 1 The History of the Invention of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) for Space Exploration -- References -- 2 The History of the United States's Flight and Terrestrial RTGs -- 2.1 Flight RTGS -- 2.2 Unflown Flight RTGs -- 2.3 Terrestrial RTGs -- 2.4 Conclusion -- References -- 3 US Space Flights Enabled by RTGs -- 3.1 SNAP‐3B Missions (1961) -- 3.2 SNAP‐9A Missions (1963-1964) -- 3.3 SNAP‐19 Missions (1968-1975) -- 3.4 SNAP‐27 Missions (1969-1972) -- 3.5 Transit‐RTG Mission (1972) -- 3.6 MHW‐RTG Missions (1976-1977) -- 3.7 GPHS‐RTG Missions (1989-2006) -- 3.8 MMRTG Missions: (2011‐Present (2021)) -- 3.9 Discussion of Flight Frequency -- 3.10 Summary of US Missions Enabled by RTGs -- References -- 4 Nuclear Systems Used for Space Exploration by Other Countries -- 4.1 Soviet Union1 -- 4.2 China -- References -- 5 Nuclear Physics, Radioisotope Fuels, and Protective Components -- 5.1 Introduction -- 5.2 Introduction to Nuclear Physics -- 5.3 Historic Radioisotope Fuels -- 5.4 Producing Modern PuO2 -- 5.5 Fuel, cladding, and encapsulations for modern -- 5.6 Summary -- References -- 6 A Primer on the Underlying Physics in Thermoelectrics -- 6.1 Underlying Physics in Thermoelectric Materials -- 6.2 Thermoelectric Theories and Limitations -- 6.3 Thermal Conductivity and Phonon Scattering -- References -- 7 End‐to‐End Assembly and Pre‐flight Operations for RTGs -- 7.1 GPHS Assembly -- 7.2 RTG Fueling and Testing -- 7.3 RTG Delivery, Spacecraft Checkout, and RTG Integration for Flight -- References -- 8 Lifetime Performance of Spaceborne RTGs -- 8.1 Introduction -- 8.2 History of RTG Performance at a Glance.8.3 RTG Performance by Generator Type -- References -- 9 Modern Analysis Tools and Techniques for RTGs -- 9.1 Analytical Tools for Evaluating Performance Degradation and Extrapolating Future Power -- 9.2 Effects of Thermal Inventory on Lifetime Performance -- 9.3 (Design) Life Performance Prediction -- 9.4 Radioisotope Power System Dose Estimation Tool (RPS‐DET) -- References -- 10 Advanced US RTG Technologies in Development -- 10.1 Introduction -- 10.2 Skutterudite‐based Thermoelectric Converter Technology for a Potential MMRTG Retrofit -- 10.3 Next Generation RTG Technology Evolution -- 10.4 Considerations for Emerging Commercial RTG Concepts -- References -- Index -- End User License Agreement."Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) produce continuous, quiet electrical power for spacecraft exploring our solar system and the space beyond. These generators use thermoelectric technologies to convert heat produced by the natural decay of radioisotopes into electrical power. Two leading thermoelectric material systems have emerged as contenders to supplant currently available thermoelectric materials. Each is at a differing level of readiness for flight. Both are poised to emerge from the laboratory and be brought to production for newer, potentially more powerful RTGs. This should enable spacecraft and mission designers to save on mass and radioisotope fuel consumption. In addition, one of the technologies is so efficient and powerful as to enable new mission types."--Provided by publisher.JPL space science and technology series.Thermoelectric generatorsRadioisotopes in astronauticsThermoelectric apparatus and appliancesThermoelectric generators.Radioisotopes in astronautics.Thermoelectric apparatus and appliances.621.31243Woerner David Friedrich1628619MiAaPQMiAaPQMiAaPQBOOK9910831029603321The technology of discovery3965835UNINA