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U.S. Department of Energy
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Testing of sliding electrical contacts for homopolar generators

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6568197
Due to the recent interest in homopolar generators as pulsed power supplies, the need has arisen for pulsed brush data on slip rings at high current levels and high surface velocities. Tests were conducted to examine the effect that varying the apparent area of contact has on the coefficient of friction, voltage drop and wear rate. Brush areas from 0.806 cm/sup 2/ to 3.23 cm/sup 2/ were individually tested at current levels from 0.0 A to 2800 A per brush. Experimental data is presented for a high copper grade of commercially available sintered copper graphite material. The data corroborates the thermal mounding phenomenon described by R.A. Marshall.
Research Organization:
Texas Univ., Austin (USA). Center for Electromechanics
DOE Contract Number:
AS05-77ET52029
OSTI ID:
6568197
Report Number(s):
CONF-7711157-1; ON: DE83005226
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English