Explosive-driven, high speed, arcless switch

Patent · Tue Jul 14 00:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:7002440

Skogmo, P J; Tucker, T J

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. 7 figs.

• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 4680434; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 6-859164
• OSTI ID: 7002440
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 2 May 1986
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
SWITCHES
DESIGN
ELECTRIC ARCS
ELECTRIC IMPEDANCE
FLASHOVER
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
IMPEDANCE
426000* - Engineering- Components
Electron Devices & Circuits- (1990-)