Abstract
The purpose of this research is to determine the mechanism for abrupt failure of graphite electrodes in high power spark gaps. The occurrence of damage was initially linked to a high current rate of rise (di/dt) of the system, on the order of 1011 A/s. Under these conditions, no electrode fracture occurred. Diagnostics and theoretical modeling will be provided and testing will continue. An indirect technique will be used to measure the magnitude and duration of dynamic stress on graphite electrodes during switch operation. Different operating conditions (i.e. different currents, energies) will be used to obtain relative measurements. A preliminary model of the impact force on the electrodes as a function of circuit parameters will be presented, possibly with a model of the force interaction and propagation through the electrodes. The experimental results will be compared with the model. The ultimate goal is to pinpoint the cause of electrode rupture and improve the performance by altering external circuit, mechanical mounting, or electrode geometry.
Original language | English |
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Pages | 745-750 |
Number of pages | 6 |
State | Published - 1995 |
Event | Proceedings of the 1995 10th IEEE International Pulsed Power Conference. Part 1 (of 2) - Albuquerque, NM, USA Duration: Jul 3 1995 → Jul 6 1995 |
Conference
Conference | Proceedings of the 1995 10th IEEE International Pulsed Power Conference. Part 1 (of 2) |
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City | Albuquerque, NM, USA |
Period | 07/3/95 → 07/6/95 |