Advanced materials for space nuclear power systemsThe overall philosophy of the research was to develop and characterize new high temperature power conversion and radiator materials and to provide spacecraft designers with material selection options and design information. Research on three candidate materials (carbide strengthened niobium alloy PWC-11 for fuel cladding, graphite fiber reinforced copper matrix composites for heat rejection fins, and tungsten fiber reinforced niobium matrix composites for fuel containment and structural supports) considered for space power system applications is discussed. Each of these types of materials offers unique advantages for space power applications.
Document ID
19910069081
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Titran, Robert H. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Grobstein, Toni L. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Ellis, David L. (Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH, United States)