Features of the heat release element fabrication process based on thermite materials for thermoelectric devices

Thermoelectric energy converters are an integral part of a large number of electric power supply systems and are used in various devices, ranging from travel equipment to space vehicles. Such converters are characterized by... [ view full abstract ]

Thermoelectric energy converters are an integral part of a large number of electric power supply systems and are used in various devices, ranging from travel equipment to space vehicles. Such converters are characterized by ecological purity and reliability, which is determined by the simplicity of the device and the absence of moving parts. As a source of heat, not only hydrocarbon or radioisotope fuels can be used, but also termite materials, the success of which is limited by the relatively high energy of the initiation of the chemical reaction.

In this paper, we consider the features of the process of creating the main element of heat generation on the basis of Al-Ni-FeO_x traditional powder thermite materials. The results of experimental studies of the influence of the pressing force and the composition of powder mixtures on the combustion front propagation velocity and to the magnitude of the thermal effect are presented. Studies were carried out using high-speed video and differential scanning calorimetry.

In addition, the original method for creating an initiator based on Al-CuOx powder material by electrophoretic deposition is described. The paper presents the results of experimental studies of the effect of the suspension composition and electrophoretic deposition regimes on the structure and composition of precipitation and deposition rate. The results of measuring the combustion front propagation velocity using high-speed video are also presented.