SQUIB DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Abstract
This report includes: EVALUATION OF SPARK GAP SQUIBS. Final rept., by Paul F. Mohrbach and Raymond R. Raksnis. Jan 62, (Rept. no. F-B1907-1) Studies were made concerning the feasibility of using a spark gap shunted by a semi-conducting material in an electro-explosive device to render it immune to stray RF. Squibs were made utilizing a .030 in. spark gap, the electrodes of which were embedded in a graphite-epoxy molding compound. A two-fold function of the squib body was thus achieved; i.e., (1) a heat sink, and (2) a shunt. An additional shunt consisting of a thin antimony film was applied across the face of the spark gap. It was shown that such a device having a total resistance across the gap of .4 ohms requires 28 - 30 watts of RF to fire. A similar value of DC is also required to fire the squib. Barium nitratezirconium was used as an explosive mix. A power pack for firing the squibs was built. This provides a 1000 volt condenser discharge theoretically of 2 joules of energy and actually some 158,000 peak watts across the spark gap.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 15, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0273864
Entities
People
- R. M. Purdy