Technique for ex-reactor heating of electrodes and measuring the volt-ampere characteristics of multicell thermionic fuel assemblies

Results of the development of a technique of ex-reactor heating and simultaneous measuring of volt-ampere characteristics of multicell thermionic fuel assemblies are presented. TFE emitter is heated at the expense of kinetic energy of electron current from the header (reverse heating). Volt-ampere characteristics of thermionic transducers, obtained by direct (using electric heater) and reverse heating (current from the header) under similar conditions differ but slightly. The difference can be observed in case of different profiles along the working surface of the header. The results of the study are provided. 3 refs., 6 figs