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Title: Ampere-Neumann electrodynamics of metals

Book ·
OSTI ID:6255370

Maxwell described Ampere's force law as the cardinal formula of electrodynamics. This law predicts longitudinal mechanical forces along current streamlines in metallic conductors. The Ampere forces set up tension in wires and busbars and compression in liquid metal. At normal current densities they are negligible but, increasing with the square of current, they become dominant in pulse power circuits. Ampere tension and compression have been revealed by exploding wire experiments, in liquid metal jets at solid - liquid interfaces, and with an electrodynamic pendulum. Ampere stresses are already playing an important role in the development of railguns, fuses, current limiters, opening switches, pulse magnets, and a host of other pulse-power devices. This book outlines the electrodynamic action-at-a-distance theory developed by Ampere, Neumann, Weber and, to some extent, by Maxwell. One chapter describes the 20th century extensions of the theory by Graneau and others.

OSTI ID:
6255370
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English