In-core tests of Thermionic Fuel Elements (TFEs) seek to determine converter performance and the extent of emitter fuel swelling. In order to evaluate both of these factors, it is crucial to know the emitter temperature accurately. Since a direct temperature measurement is virtually impossible, indirect methods based on analysis of the volt-ampere characteristics of a thermionic cell are used. A method has been developed for accurately determining emitter temperature based on fitting calculated results to the unignited mode (diffusion mode) portion of the I-V curve. A computer-based data acquisition and analysis system is described. This system enables realtime emitter temperature determination to be done, as well as archiving data for future analysis.
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