Molybdenum container development for Na/S cells

The authors describe the progress which has been made to date in the utilization of molybdenum as a cathode container material for aerospace sodium/sulfur cells. Two basic designs were utilized during this effort. The first of these was a tubular, central sodium cell designed for application in spacecraft batteries in geosynchronous earth orbits. The second cell was a flat plate cell designed as a proof-of-concept cell for use in a bipolar configuration in high, pulsed power applications. These two types of cells are described. The welding development process is outlined. The initial thermo-compression bonding trials of molybdenum to alpha-alumina are discussed. Typical performance characteristics for the two cell types are summarized