Explosive-driven, high speed, arcless switch

Patent · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:866310

Skogmo, Phillip J ^[1]; Tucker, Tillman J ^[1]

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1. Albuquerque, NM

An explosive-actuated, fast-acting arcless switch contains a highly conductive foil to carry high currents positioned adjacent a dielectric surface within a casing. At one side of the foil opposite the dielectric surface is an explosive which, when detonated, drives the conductive foil against the dielectric surface. A pattern of grooves in the dielectric surface ruptures the foil to establish a rupture path having a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the grooves. The impedance of the ruptured foil is greater than that of the original foil to divert high current to a load. Planar and cylindrical embodiments of the switch are disclosed.

• Research Organization: AT&T
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4680434
• OSTI ID: 866310
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

explosive-driven
speed
arcless
switch
explosive-actuated
fast-acting
contains
highly
conductive
foil
carry
currents
positioned
adjacent
dielectric
surface
casing
opposite
explosive
detonated
drives
pattern
grooves
ruptures
establish
rupture
path
corresponding
impedance
ruptured
original
divert
current
load
planar
cylindrical
embodiments
disclosed
conductive foil
highly conductive
positioned adjacent
arcless switch
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