High Power Inverse Pinch Switch
Abstract
In high power switches the "z-pinch" phenomenon greatly accelerates deterioration of the switch. This "z-pinch" phenomenon is caused by the JxB=F force that results in current sheet compression. The pinched current column with a high current density on a small area of the electrodes (hot spot) causes the electrodes to evaporate and damage, thus changing the characteristics of the switch. The design of an inverse "z-pinch" switch not only eliminates the z-pinch effects but utilizes JxB for reducing the current density. A prototype of the inverse pinch switch with plasma puff triggering has accumulated hundreds of runs for performance tests. Pictures of the switching discharge taken with an image converter camera (I.C.C.) show the discharge to be nearly axisymmetric. Fast streak pictures made in microseconds show the discharge travelling radially outward as expected. Electrical probe measurements indicate that continued improvement of this basic geometry should prove the switch capable of higher coulomb transfer and with many other advantages over a conventional spark-gap switch.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA638717
Entities
People
- Gregory L. Schuster
- Ja H. Lee
- Sang H. Choi
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration