Radioisotope Thermoelectric Genrators (RTG0 convert heat generated by radioactive decay into electricity through the use of thermocouples. The RTGs 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 RTGs contain significant quanities of radioactive materials, normally plutonium-238 and its decay products, they must but be transported in packages built in accordance with Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 71 (10 CFR 71). To meet these regulations, a RTG Transportation System (RTGTS) that fully complies with 10 CFR 71 has been developed, whci p[rotects RTGs form adverse environmental conditions during normal confitions f transport (e.g. shock, vibration, and heat). To ensure the protection fo RTGs from shock and vibration loadings during transport, extensive over-the-road testing was donducted on teh RTGTS to obtain real-time recordings of accelerations of the air-ride suspension system trailer floor, packaging, and support structure. This paper provides an overview of the RTGTS, 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.
展开▼
