Exploratory investigation of a shock-induced phase transformation in hot-pressed PbS for a high-current, fast-opening switch
The feasibility of using hot-pressed PbS as a fast-opening high-current (>10/sup 3/ A/cm/sup 2/) switch for >10/sup 12/ watt plasma experiments has been explored. The switch concept is based on a shock-induced phase transition in PbS from a conducting to an insulating state. The present experimental results show that the hot-pressed PbS material undergoes the phase transition under shock-loading as well as under hydrostatic and quasi-hydrostatic pressure. However, the resistivity increase under shock-loading is considerably lower than that under static pressure loading, and under high-current conditions the material becomes irreversibly conductive. This combination of effects makes hot-pressed PbS unsuitable for the proposed application.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia Labs., Albuquerque, N.Mex. (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-04-0789
- OSTI ID:
- 7140800
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-76-0596
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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700203* -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Power Supplies
Energy Storage
CHALCOGENIDES
CURRENTS
E-BEAM TYPE REACTORS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
LEAD COMPOUNDS
LEAD SULFIDES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
POWER SUPPLIES
SHOCK WAVES
SULFIDES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SWITCHES
TESTING
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS