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Characterization of semiconductor bridges (SCB) igniters for use in thermal batteries

Conference ·
OSTI ID:231189
;  [1];  [2]
  1. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
  2. SCB Technologies, Inc., Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Semiconductor bridges (SCB) igniters were evaluated as possible replacements for conventional hot-wire igniters for use in thermal batteries. The all-fire and no-fire characteristics were determined using an up-down scheme; the Neyer/SENSIT program was used to analyze the data. The SCB igniters functioned with a higher no-fire level, relative to a hot-wire igniter, for a given all-fire level. This makes the SCB igniter safer and more reliable than its hot-wire counterpart. The SCB is very resistant to electrostatic discharge and does not require a sensitization mixture for ignition of the primary pyrotechnic charge. These factors, along with its amenability to large-scale production, make the SCB igniter ideally suited for use in thermal batteries.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
231189
Report Number(s):
SAND--96-0862C; CONF-9606161--1; ON: DE96008890
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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