Surface Aging in High Repetition Rate Spark Switches with Aluminum and Brass Electrodes
Abstract
The surface aging of the electrodes of miniature spark switches (A/d ~ 50) is explored using commercial dry nitrogen as the working gas. Both brass and aluminum electrodes were investigated for aging characteristics using a constant gas flow rate of 8 cm3/sec. The gas pressure was varied from 760 torr-5200 torr. The switches were constructed as an integral part of a miniature L-C oscillator which has a ringing frequency of approximately 150 MHz. The aging process was halted at intervals ranging from one to several thousand discharges and the electrode surface examined with a scanning electron microscope.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA636621
Entities
People
- M. F. Rose
- M. T. Glancy
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division