Accession Number:

ADD014262

Title:

Command Operated Liquid Metal Opening Switch.

Descriptive Note:

Patent, Filed 13 Oct 87, patented 27 Jun 89,

Corporate Author:

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Gruden, James M.

Report Date:

1989-06-27

Pagination or Media Count:

11.0

Abstract:

A very low inductance, very low resistance, command operated repetitive high current opening switch is described which uses a Lorentz force to move a conductive liquid between a conducting region and an insulated region between two electrodes. In a specific embodiment, a cylindrical outer electrode coaxially surrounds in a spaced relationship a generally cylindrical inner electrode. The annular space between the inner and outer electrodes is divided into first and second sections along the length of the electrodes. Intermeshing continuous spiral fins are defined on the facing surfaces of the inner and outer electrodes surrounding the second section. An electrically conductive liquid is sealed inside the first and second annular sections in an amount sufficient to substantially fill only one of the annular sections, so that electric current can flow between the outer electrode and the inner electrode through the liquid whenever any of the liquid is inside the first annular section, but the insulation prevents the flow of electric current flow between the outer electrode and the inner electrode when all of the liquid is inside the second annular section. Patents. rrh

Descriptors:

• *CONDUCTIVE LIQUIDS
• *ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY
• *ELECTRODES
• *INDUCTANCE
• *PATENTS
• *SWITCHES
• CYLINDRICAL BODIES
• ELECTRIC CURRENT
• EXTERNAL
• FINS
• FLOW
• HIGH POWER
• INSULATION
• INTERNAL
• LENGTH
• LIQUIDS
• LORENTZ FORCE
• OPENING(PROCESS)
• REGIONS
• RESISTANCE

Subject Categories:

• Electric Power Production and Distribution
• Electrical and Electronic Equipment
• Metallurgy and Metallography

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE