Abstract: A closed Brayton cycle (CBC) system for an external heat source is presented. The CBC system includes a turbine that receives a hot gas from a heat source and a compressor that receives cooler gas that is returned to the heat source. The turbine and the compressor may be on a common shaft. A recuperator, which may be integrated with the turbine and the compressor, exchanges waste heat from the turbine exhaust to the compressor exit flow to increase the efficiency of the system. Instead of manifolding the inlets and outlets of the turbine and compressor and sending the gasses to the recuperator via the manifolds or other channeling, the recuperator may be integrated into the system between a turbine system and the compressor, both of which are contiguous (e.g., directly connected) with the recuperator. Such a configuration may allow for increasing efficiency and reducing the mass of the system.

Abstract: A closed Brayton cycle (CBC) system for an external heat source is presented. The CBC system includes a turbine that receives a hot gas from a heat source and a compressor that receives cooler gas that is returned to the heat source. The turbine and the compressor may be on a common shaft. A recuperator, which may be integrated with the turbine and the compressor, exchanges waste heat from the turbine exhaust to the compressor exit flow to increase the efficiency of the system. Instead of manifolding the inlets and outlets of the turbine and compressor and sending the gasses to the recuperator via the manifolds or other channeling, the recuperator may be integrated into the system between a turbine system and the compressor, both of which are contiguous (e.g., directly connected) with the recuperator. Such a configuration may allow for increasing efficiency and reducing the mass of the system.

Abstract: A monopropellant thruster according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first part having a catalyst bed, a thrust chamber, and a nozzle. The first part is integrally formed via a single additive manufacturing process. The thruster further includes a second part, which is a closeout. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A monopropellant thruster according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first part having a catalyst bed, a thrust chamber, and a nozzle. The first part is integrally formed via a single additive manufacturing process. The thruster further includes a second part, which is a closeout. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for the detection and mapping of radiation, the device comprising a polymeric core located within an external shell material, wherein the polymeric core comprises at least one radiation sensitive component and the external sheath comprises a collimation sheath. Preferably, the polymeric core comprises a spherical core which is encased within the external shell. The external shell is preferably comprised of a metal, most preferably lead or tungsten.

Abstract: It is desirable to be able to securely connect individual electrical components within an electrical module. An electrical module is provided in which a plurality of energy storage components are connected together using a clamp instead of wiring or bus bar connections. In one configuration, for example, a first energy storage component comprising a first terminal and second terminal is connected to a second energy storage component comprising a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The first terminal of the first energy storage component is electrically connected to a third terminal of the second energy storage component using a clamp comprising a recess. The recess of the clamp receives at least a portion of the first terminal of the first energy storage component and at least a portion of the third terminal of the second energy storage component.