Long-term durability analysis of a 100000+HR Stirling power convertor heater head

摘要

DOE and NASA have identified Stirling radioisotope power systems (SRPS) as a candidate power system for future deep space exploration missions. As a part of this effort, NASA has initiated a long-term durability project for critical hot section components of the Stirling power convertor to qualify flight hardware. This project will develop a life prediction methodology that utilizes short-term (t>20000 hr) test data to verify long-term (t<100000 hr) design life. The project consists of generating a materials database for the specific heat of alloy, evaluation of critical hermetic sealed joints, life model characterization, and model verification. This paper describes the qualification methodology being developed and provide a status for this effort.