The long-term performance degradation of a radioisotope thermoelectric generator using silicon germanium

摘要: The successful utilization of a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) as the power source for spaceflight missions requires that performance such an RTG be predictable throughout mission. Several mechanisms occur within which tend to degrade function operating time. impact these have on available output depends primarily factors time, temperature and self-limiting effects. relative magnitudes, rates dependency various degradation been investigated separately by coupon experiments well 4-couple 18-couple module experiments. This paper discusses different individual summarizes their combined influence RTG. Also presented part long-term characteristics is sensitivity variations thus identifying areas greatest concern