Numerical Simulation of Multiconstituent Diffusion and Helium Release Characteristic of the 238Pu02 Heat Source Used in Radioisotopic Thermoelectric Generators

摘要

This report describes an analytical model that was developed to simulate multiconstituent diffusion within a heat source sphere, helium generation within a heat source sphere, and helium release from the surface of a heat source sphere into the surrounding environment. This model represents the first attempt to simulate multiconstituent mass transport using the continuum thermomechanical theory of mixtures and demonstrates that this theory is a viable alternative to irreversible thermodynamics.