STUDY OF EFFECTS AND CONTROL OF SURFACE CONTAMINANTS ON ELECTRICAL MATERIALS
Abstract
In previous work it was shown in laboratory experiments that transfer of base metal (iron) to a contact surface could occur under conditions not unlike those used in manufacturing and attaching contacts. In time, air oxidation occurred, resulting in conversion of the base metal to the oxide, with a concurrent increase in contact resistance. Contamination of this kind may be detected by the probe method, which consists of a measurement of the resistance between the metal contact and a 2-mil platinum wire, which is used as the probe. Organic contamination was demonstrated in sealed tube experiments. Accomplishments during the present report period include investigation of base metal contact contamination in commercial sealed relays; organic contamination; defective relays from Picatinny Arsenal; whisker growth on connector contacts; and contact resistance of miniature reed switches. (Author, modified-PL).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 15, 1959
- Accession Number
- AD0226122
Entities
People
- Ana Pellecer
- Saul W. Chaikin
Organizations
- SRI International