The Technology of Discovery

5Nuclear Physics, Radioisotope Fuels, and Protective Components

Michael B.R. Smith^a, Emory D. Collins^a, David W. DePaoli^a, Nidia C. Gallego^a, Lawrence H. Heilbronn^b, Chris L. Jensen^a, Kaara K. Patton^a, Glenn R. Romanoski^a, George B. Ulrich^a, Robert M. Wham^a, and Christofer E. Whiting^c

^aOak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

^bUniversity of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennesse

^cUniversity of Dayton Research Institute, Dayton, Ohio

5.1 Introduction

The radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) represents a unique device requiring a confluence of disciplines, to include aerospace, materials science, and nuclear engineering, on an extraordinary level. While the heart of an RTG is a deceptively simple‐looking mass of radioisotope material, the methods to produce this material require a thorough understanding of some of the most fundamental yet complex phenomena in our universe. To explain how isotopes are created, processed, and used in an RTG, a comprehensive description must be provided. Although this chapter is not a complete discourse on nuclear physics, historic RTG fuel selections, and current RTG fuel and component fabrication, it does provide introductions to each of these topics.

This chapter provides foundational instruction on the nuclear and atomic knowledge relevant to radioisotope fuel behavior, RTG performance, and radiological concerns. To ensure that the reader gains a clear understanding of these concepts, familiarity with the atom, radioactivity, particle ...