摘要: |
Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTO) convert heat generated by radioactive decay into electricity through the use of thermocouples. The RTOs have a long operating life, are reasonably lightweight, and require little or no maintenance which make them particularly attractive for use in spacecraft However, because RTOs contain significant quantities of radioactive materials, normally pluioniuir.-23S and Its decay products, they must be transported in packages built in accordance with Title 10. Code of Federal Regulations, Part 71 (10 CFR 71). To meet these regulations, a RTO Transportation System (RTOTS) that fully complies with 10 CFR 71 has been developed, which protects RTOs from adverse environmental conditions during normal conditions of transport (e.g., shock, vibration, and heat). To ensure the protection of RTOs from S4iock and vibration loadings during transport, extensive over>the-road testing was conducted on the RTGTS to obtain real-time recordings of accelerations of the air-ride suspension system trailer Poor, ,packaging, and support structure. This paper provides an overview of the RTOTS, a discussion of the shock and vibration testing, and a comparison of the test results to the specified shock response spectra and power spectral density acceleration criteria |