Author: Paul G. Slade
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 100017008X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 699
Book Description
Title: The Vacuum Interrupter: Theory, Design, and Application Shelving guide: Electrical Engineering Dr. Paul Slade draws from his nearly six decades of active experience to develop this second edition of The Vacuum Interrupter: Theory, Design, and Application. This book begins by discussing the design requirements for high voltage vacuum interrupters and then the contact requirements to interrupt the vacuum arc. It then continues by describing the various applications in which the vacuum interrupter is generally utilized. Part 1 of this book begins with a detailed review of the vacuum breakdown process. It continues by covering the steps necessary for the design and the manufacture of a successful vacuum interrupter. The vacuum arc is then discussed, including how it is affected as a function of current. An overview of the development and use of practical contact materials, along with their advantages and disadvantages, follows. Contact designs that are introduced to control the high current vacuum arc are also analyzed. Part 2, on application, begins with a discussion of the arc interruption process for low current and high current vacuum arcs. It examines the voltage escalation phenomenon that can occur when interrupting inductive circuits. The occurrence of contact welding for closed contacts subjected to the passage of high currents, and for contacts when closing on high currents, is explored. The general requirements for the successful manufacture and testing of vacuum circuit breakers is then presented. The general application of vacuum interrupters to switch load currents, especially when applied to capacitor circuits, is also given. The interruption of high short circuit currents is presented along with the expected performance of the two major contact designs. Owing to the ever-increasing need for environmentally friendly circuit protection devices, the development and application of the vacuum interrupter will only increase in the future. At present the vacuum circuit breaker is the technology of choice for distribution circuits (5kV to 40.5kV). It is increasingly being applied to transmission circuits (72.5kV to 242kV). In the future, its application for protecting high voltage DC networks is assured. Audience This is a practical source book for engineers and scientists interested in studying the development and application of the vacuum interrupter Research scientists in industry and universities Graduate students beginning their study of vacuum interrupter phenomena Design engineers applying vacuum interrupters in vacuum switches, vacuum contactors, vacuum circuit breakers, and vacuum contactors It provides a unique and comprehensive review of all aspects of vacuum interrupter technology for those new to the subject and for those who wish to obtain a deeper understanding of its science and application Scientists and engineers, who are beginning their research into vacuum breakdown and aspects of the vacuum arc, will find the extensive bibliography and phenomenological descriptions to be a useful introduction
The Vacuum Interrupter
Author: Paul G. Slade
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 100017008X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 699
Book Description
Title: The Vacuum Interrupter: Theory, Design, and Application Shelving guide: Electrical Engineering Dr. Paul Slade draws from his nearly six decades of active experience to develop this second edition of The Vacuum Interrupter: Theory, Design, and Application. This book begins by discussing the design requirements for high voltage vacuum interrupters and then the contact requirements to interrupt the vacuum arc. It then continues by describing the various applications in which the vacuum interrupter is generally utilized. Part 1 of this book begins with a detailed review of the vacuum breakdown process. It continues by covering the steps necessary for the design and the manufacture of a successful vacuum interrupter. The vacuum arc is then discussed, including how it is affected as a function of current. An overview of the development and use of practical contact materials, along with their advantages and disadvantages, follows. Contact designs that are introduced to control the high current vacuum arc are also analyzed. Part 2, on application, begins with a discussion of the arc interruption process for low current and high current vacuum arcs. It examines the voltage escalation phenomenon that can occur when interrupting inductive circuits. The occurrence of contact welding for closed contacts subjected to the passage of high currents, and for contacts when closing on high currents, is explored. The general requirements for the successful manufacture and testing of vacuum circuit breakers is then presented. The general application of vacuum interrupters to switch load currents, especially when applied to capacitor circuits, is also given. The interruption of high short circuit currents is presented along with the expected performance of the two major contact designs. Owing to the ever-increasing need for environmentally friendly circuit protection devices, the development and application of the vacuum interrupter will only increase in the future. At present the vacuum circuit breaker is the technology of choice for distribution circuits (5kV to 40.5kV). It is increasingly being applied to transmission circuits (72.5kV to 242kV). In the future, its application for protecting high voltage DC networks is assured. Audience This is a practical source book for engineers and scientists interested in studying the development and application of the vacuum interrupter Research scientists in industry and universities Graduate students beginning their study of vacuum interrupter phenomena Design engineers applying vacuum interrupters in vacuum switches, vacuum contactors, vacuum circuit breakers, and vacuum contactors It provides a unique and comprehensive review of all aspects of vacuum interrupter technology for those new to the subject and for those who wish to obtain a deeper understanding of its science and application Scientists and engineers, who are beginning their research into vacuum breakdown and aspects of the vacuum arc, will find the extensive bibliography and phenomenological descriptions to be a useful introduction
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 100017008X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 699
Book Description
Title: The Vacuum Interrupter: Theory, Design, and Application Shelving guide: Electrical Engineering Dr. Paul Slade draws from his nearly six decades of active experience to develop this second edition of The Vacuum Interrupter: Theory, Design, and Application. This book begins by discussing the design requirements for high voltage vacuum interrupters and then the contact requirements to interrupt the vacuum arc. It then continues by describing the various applications in which the vacuum interrupter is generally utilized. Part 1 of this book begins with a detailed review of the vacuum breakdown process. It continues by covering the steps necessary for the design and the manufacture of a successful vacuum interrupter. The vacuum arc is then discussed, including how it is affected as a function of current. An overview of the development and use of practical contact materials, along with their advantages and disadvantages, follows. Contact designs that are introduced to control the high current vacuum arc are also analyzed. Part 2, on application, begins with a discussion of the arc interruption process for low current and high current vacuum arcs. It examines the voltage escalation phenomenon that can occur when interrupting inductive circuits. The occurrence of contact welding for closed contacts subjected to the passage of high currents, and for contacts when closing on high currents, is explored. The general requirements for the successful manufacture and testing of vacuum circuit breakers is then presented. The general application of vacuum interrupters to switch load currents, especially when applied to capacitor circuits, is also given. The interruption of high short circuit currents is presented along with the expected performance of the two major contact designs. Owing to the ever-increasing need for environmentally friendly circuit protection devices, the development and application of the vacuum interrupter will only increase in the future. At present the vacuum circuit breaker is the technology of choice for distribution circuits (5kV to 40.5kV). It is increasingly being applied to transmission circuits (72.5kV to 242kV). In the future, its application for protecting high voltage DC networks is assured. Audience This is a practical source book for engineers and scientists interested in studying the development and application of the vacuum interrupter Research scientists in industry and universities Graduate students beginning their study of vacuum interrupter phenomena Design engineers applying vacuum interrupters in vacuum switches, vacuum contactors, vacuum circuit breakers, and vacuum contactors It provides a unique and comprehensive review of all aspects of vacuum interrupter technology for those new to the subject and for those who wish to obtain a deeper understanding of its science and application Scientists and engineers, who are beginning their research into vacuum breakdown and aspects of the vacuum arc, will find the extensive bibliography and phenomenological descriptions to be a useful introduction
Plasma and Spot Phenomena in Electrical Arcs
Author: Isak Beilis
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030447472
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1137
Book Description
This book is devoted to a thorough investigation of the physics and applications of the vacuum arc – a highly-ionized metallic plasma source used in a number of applications – with emphasis on cathode spot phenomena and plasma formation. The goal is to understand the origins and behavior of the various complex and sometimes mysterious phenomena involved in arc formation, such as cathode spots, electrode vaporization, and near-electrode plasma formation. The book takes the reader from a model of dense cathode plasma based on charge-exchange ion-atom collisions through a kinetic approach to cathode vaporization and on to metal thermophysical properties of cathodes. This picture is further enhanced by an in-depth study of cathode jets and plasma acceleration, the effects of magnetic fields on cathode spot behavior, and electrical characteristics of arcs and cathode spot dynamics. The book also describes applications to space propulsion, thin film deposition, laser plasma generation, and magnetohydrodynamics, making this comprehensive and up-to-date volume a valuable resource for researchers in academia and industry.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030447472
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1137
Book Description
This book is devoted to a thorough investigation of the physics and applications of the vacuum arc – a highly-ionized metallic plasma source used in a number of applications – with emphasis on cathode spot phenomena and plasma formation. The goal is to understand the origins and behavior of the various complex and sometimes mysterious phenomena involved in arc formation, such as cathode spots, electrode vaporization, and near-electrode plasma formation. The book takes the reader from a model of dense cathode plasma based on charge-exchange ion-atom collisions through a kinetic approach to cathode vaporization and on to metal thermophysical properties of cathodes. This picture is further enhanced by an in-depth study of cathode jets and plasma acceleration, the effects of magnetic fields on cathode spot behavior, and electrical characteristics of arcs and cathode spot dynamics. The book also describes applications to space propulsion, thin film deposition, laser plasma generation, and magnetohydrodynamics, making this comprehensive and up-to-date volume a valuable resource for researchers in academia and industry.
The Proceedings of 2023 4th International Symposium on Insulation and Discharge Computation for Power Equipment (IDCOMPU2023)
Author: Xuzhu Dong
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9819974135
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 713
Book Description
This book includes original, peer-reviewed research papers from the 2023 4th International Symposium on Insulation and Discharge Computation for Power Equipment (IDCOMPU2023), held in Wuhan, China. The topics covered include but are not limited to: insulation, discharge computations, electric power equipment, and electrical materials. The papers share the latest findings in the field of insulation and discharge computations of electric power equipment, making the book a valuable asset for researchers, engineers, university students, etc.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9819974135
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 713
Book Description
This book includes original, peer-reviewed research papers from the 2023 4th International Symposium on Insulation and Discharge Computation for Power Equipment (IDCOMPU2023), held in Wuhan, China. The topics covered include but are not limited to: insulation, discharge computations, electric power equipment, and electrical materials. The papers share the latest findings in the field of insulation and discharge computations of electric power equipment, making the book a valuable asset for researchers, engineers, university students, etc.
Gas Discharge Closing Switches
Author: Gerhard Schaefer
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1489921303
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 575
Book Description
Pulsed power technology, in the simplest of terms, usually concerns the storage of electrical energy over relatively long times and then its rapid release over a comparatively short period. However, if we leave the definition at that, we miss a multitude of aspects that are important in the ultimate application of pulsed power. It is, in fact, the application of pulsed power technology to which this series of texts will be focused. Pulsed power in today's broader sense means "special power" as opposed to the tra ditional situation of high voltage impulse issues related to the utility industry. Since the pulsed power field is primarily application driven, it has principally an engineering flavor. Today' s applications span those from materials processing, such as metal forming by pulsed magnetic fields, to other varied applications, such as psy chedelic strobe lights or radar modulators. Very high peak power applications occur in research for inertial confinement fusion, the Strategic Defense Initiative and other historical defense uses. lri fact it is from this latter direction that pulsed power has real ized explosive growth over the past half century. Early thrusts were in electrically powered systems that simulated the environment or effects of nuclear weapons detonation. More recently it is being utilized as prime power sources for directed energy weapons, such as lasers, microwaves, particle beam weapons, and even mass drivers (kinetic energy weapons).
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1489921303
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 575
Book Description
Pulsed power technology, in the simplest of terms, usually concerns the storage of electrical energy over relatively long times and then its rapid release over a comparatively short period. However, if we leave the definition at that, we miss a multitude of aspects that are important in the ultimate application of pulsed power. It is, in fact, the application of pulsed power technology to which this series of texts will be focused. Pulsed power in today's broader sense means "special power" as opposed to the tra ditional situation of high voltage impulse issues related to the utility industry. Since the pulsed power field is primarily application driven, it has principally an engineering flavor. Today' s applications span those from materials processing, such as metal forming by pulsed magnetic fields, to other varied applications, such as psy chedelic strobe lights or radar modulators. Very high peak power applications occur in research for inertial confinement fusion, the Strategic Defense Initiative and other historical defense uses. lri fact it is from this latter direction that pulsed power has real ized explosive growth over the past half century. Early thrusts were in electrically powered systems that simulated the environment or effects of nuclear weapons detonation. More recently it is being utilized as prime power sources for directed energy weapons, such as lasers, microwaves, particle beam weapons, and even mass drivers (kinetic energy weapons).
Power System Transients
Author: Juan A. Martinez-Velasco
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1420065300
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 644
Book Description
Despite the powerful numerical techniques and graphical user interfaces available in present software tools for power system transients, a lack of reliable tests and conversion procedures generally makes determination of parameters the most challenging part of creating a model. Illustrates Parameter Determination for Real-World Applications Geared toward both students and professionals with at least some basic knowledge of electromagnetic transient analysis, Power System Transients: Parameter Determination summarizes current procedures and techniques for the determination of transient parameters for six basic power components: overhead line, insulated cable, transformer, synchronous machine, surge arrester, and circuit breaker. An expansion on papers published in the IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, this text helps those using transient simulation tools (e.g., EMTP-like tools) to select the optimal determination method for their particular model, and it addresses commonly encountered problems, including: Lack of information Testing setups and measurements that are not recognized in international standards Insufficient studies to validate models, mainly those used in high-frequency transients Current built-in models that do not cover all requirements Illustrated with case studies, this book provides modeling guidelines for the selection of adequate representations for main components. It discusses how to collect the information needed to obtain model parameters and also reviews procedures for deriving them. Appendices summarize updated techniques for identifying linear systems from frequency responses and review capabilities and limitations of simulation tools. Emphasizing standards, this book is a clear and concise presentation of key aspects in creating an adequate and reliable transient model.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1420065300
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 644
Book Description
Despite the powerful numerical techniques and graphical user interfaces available in present software tools for power system transients, a lack of reliable tests and conversion procedures generally makes determination of parameters the most challenging part of creating a model. Illustrates Parameter Determination for Real-World Applications Geared toward both students and professionals with at least some basic knowledge of electromagnetic transient analysis, Power System Transients: Parameter Determination summarizes current procedures and techniques for the determination of transient parameters for six basic power components: overhead line, insulated cable, transformer, synchronous machine, surge arrester, and circuit breaker. An expansion on papers published in the IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, this text helps those using transient simulation tools (e.g., EMTP-like tools) to select the optimal determination method for their particular model, and it addresses commonly encountered problems, including: Lack of information Testing setups and measurements that are not recognized in international standards Insufficient studies to validate models, mainly those used in high-frequency transients Current built-in models that do not cover all requirements Illustrated with case studies, this book provides modeling guidelines for the selection of adequate representations for main components. It discusses how to collect the information needed to obtain model parameters and also reviews procedures for deriving them. Appendices summarize updated techniques for identifying linear systems from frequency responses and review capabilities and limitations of simulation tools. Emphasizing standards, this book is a clear and concise presentation of key aspects in creating an adequate and reliable transient model.
High Voltage and Electrical Insulation Engineering
Author: Ravindra Arora
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470609613
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 396
Book Description
The book is written for students as well as for teachers and researchers in the field of High Voltage and Insulation Engineering. It is based on the advance level courses conducted at TU Dresden, Germany and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India. The book has a novel approach describing the fundamental concept of field dependent behavior of dielectrics subjected to high voltage. There is no other book in the field of high voltage engineering following this new approach in describing the behavior of dielectrics. The contents begin with the description of fundamental terminology in the subject of high voltage engineering. It is followed by the classification of electric fields and the techniques of field estimation. Performance of gaseous, liquid and solid dielectrics under different field conditions is described in the subsequent chapters. Separate chapters on vacuum as insulation and the lightning phenomenon are included.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470609613
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 396
Book Description
The book is written for students as well as for teachers and researchers in the field of High Voltage and Insulation Engineering. It is based on the advance level courses conducted at TU Dresden, Germany and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India. The book has a novel approach describing the fundamental concept of field dependent behavior of dielectrics subjected to high voltage. There is no other book in the field of high voltage engineering following this new approach in describing the behavior of dielectrics. The contents begin with the description of fundamental terminology in the subject of high voltage engineering. It is followed by the classification of electric fields and the techniques of field estimation. Performance of gaseous, liquid and solid dielectrics under different field conditions is described in the subsequent chapters. Separate chapters on vacuum as insulation and the lightning phenomenon are included.
Engineering Asset Management and Infrastructure Sustainability
Author: Joseph Mathew
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0857294938
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1131
Book Description
Engineering Asset Management 2010 represents state-of-the art trends and developments in the emerging field of engineering asset management as presented at the Fifth World Congress on Engineering Asset Management (WCEAM). The proceedings of the WCEAM 2010 is an excellent reference for practitioners, researchers and students in the multidisciplinary field of asset management, covering topics such as: Asset condition monitoring and intelligent maintenance Asset data warehousing, data mining and fusion Asset performance and level-of-service models Design and life-cycle integrity of physical assets Education and training in asset management Engineering standards in asset management Fault diagnosis and prognostics Financial analysis methods for physical assets Human dimensions in integrated asset management Information quality management Information systems and knowledge management Intelligent sensors and devices Maintenance strategies in asset management Optimisation decisions in asset management Risk management in asset management Strategic asset management Sustainability in asset management
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0857294938
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1131
Book Description
Engineering Asset Management 2010 represents state-of-the art trends and developments in the emerging field of engineering asset management as presented at the Fifth World Congress on Engineering Asset Management (WCEAM). The proceedings of the WCEAM 2010 is an excellent reference for practitioners, researchers and students in the multidisciplinary field of asset management, covering topics such as: Asset condition monitoring and intelligent maintenance Asset data warehousing, data mining and fusion Asset performance and level-of-service models Design and life-cycle integrity of physical assets Education and training in asset management Engineering standards in asset management Fault diagnosis and prognostics Financial analysis methods for physical assets Human dimensions in integrated asset management Information quality management Information systems and knowledge management Intelligent sensors and devices Maintenance strategies in asset management Optimisation decisions in asset management Risk management in asset management Strategic asset management Sustainability in asset management
Cathodic Arcs
Author: André Anders
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387791086
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 555
Book Description
Cathodic arcs are among the longest studied yet least understood objects in science. Plasma-generating, tiny spots appear on the cathode; they are highly dynamic and hard to control. With an approach emphasizing the fractal character of cathode spots, strongly fluctuating plasma properties are described such as the presence of multiply charged ions that move with supersonic velocity. Richly illustrated, the book also deals with practical issues, such as arc source construction, macroparticle removal, and the synthesis of dense, well adherent coatings. The book spans a bridge from plasma physics to coatings technology based on energetic condensation, appealing to scientists, practitioners and graduate students alike.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387791086
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 555
Book Description
Cathodic arcs are among the longest studied yet least understood objects in science. Plasma-generating, tiny spots appear on the cathode; they are highly dynamic and hard to control. With an approach emphasizing the fractal character of cathode spots, strongly fluctuating plasma properties are described such as the presence of multiply charged ions that move with supersonic velocity. Richly illustrated, the book also deals with practical issues, such as arc source construction, macroparticle removal, and the synthesis of dense, well adherent coatings. The book spans a bridge from plasma physics to coatings technology based on energetic condensation, appealing to scientists, practitioners and graduate students alike.
Environmental Compatible Circuit Breaker Technologies
Author: Dirk Uhrlandt
Publisher: MDPI
ISBN: 3036503846
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 156
Book Description
Recent research and development in the field of high-current circuit breaker technology are devoted to meeting two challenges: the environmental compatibility and new demands on electrical grids caused by the increasing use of renewable energies. Electric arcs in gases or a vacuum are the key component in the technology at present and will play a key role also in future concepts, e.g., for hybrid and fast switching required for high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission systems. In addition, the replacement of the environmentally harmful SF6 in gas breakers and gas-insulated switchgear is an actual issue. This Special Issue comprises eight peer-reviewed papers, which address recent studies of switching arcs and electrical insulation at high and medium voltage. Three papers consider issues of the replacement of the environmentally harmful SF6 by CO2 in high-voltage gas circuit breakers. One paper deals with fast switching in air with relevance for hybrid fault current limiters and hybrid HVDC interrupters. The other four papers illustrate actual research on vacuum current breakers as an additional option for environmentally compatible switchgear; fundamental studies of the vacuum arc ignition, as well as concepts for the use of vacuum arcs for DC interruption.
Publisher: MDPI
ISBN: 3036503846
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 156
Book Description
Recent research and development in the field of high-current circuit breaker technology are devoted to meeting two challenges: the environmental compatibility and new demands on electrical grids caused by the increasing use of renewable energies. Electric arcs in gases or a vacuum are the key component in the technology at present and will play a key role also in future concepts, e.g., for hybrid and fast switching required for high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission systems. In addition, the replacement of the environmentally harmful SF6 in gas breakers and gas-insulated switchgear is an actual issue. This Special Issue comprises eight peer-reviewed papers, which address recent studies of switching arcs and electrical insulation at high and medium voltage. Three papers consider issues of the replacement of the environmentally harmful SF6 by CO2 in high-voltage gas circuit breakers. One paper deals with fast switching in air with relevance for hybrid fault current limiters and hybrid HVDC interrupters. The other four papers illustrate actual research on vacuum current breakers as an additional option for environmentally compatible switchgear; fundamental studies of the vacuum arc ignition, as well as concepts for the use of vacuum arcs for DC interruption.
Electrical Contacts
Author: Paul G. Slade
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351832719
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1314
Book Description
Covering the theory, application, and testing of contact materials, Electrical Contacts: Principles and Applications, Second Edition introduces a thorough discussion on making electric contact and contact interface conduction; presents a general outline of, and measurement techniques for, important corrosion mechanisms; considers the results of contact wear when plug-in connections are made and broken; investigates the effect of thin noble metal plating on electronic connections; and relates crucial considerations for making high- and low-power contact joints. It examines contact use in switching devices, including the interruption of AC and DC circuits with currents in the range 10mA to 100kA and circuits up to 1000V, and describes arc formation between open contacts and between opening contacts. Arcing effects on contacts such as erosion, welding, and contamination are also addressed. Containing nearly 3,000 references, tables, equations, figures, drawings, and photographs, the book provides practical examples encompassing everything from electronic circuits to high power circuits, or microamperes to mega amperes. The new edition: Reflects the latest advances in electrical contact science and technology Examines current research on contact corrosion, materials, and switching Includes updates and revisions in each chapter, as well as up-to-date references and new figures and examples throughout Delivers three new chapters on the effects of dust contamination, electronic sensing for switching systems, and contact phenomena for micro-electronic systems (MEMS) applications With contributions from recognized experts in the field, Electrical Contacts: Principles and Applications, Second Edition assists practicing scientists and engineers in the prevention of costly system failures, as well as offers a comprehensive introduction to the subject for technology graduate students, by expanding their knowledge of electrical contact phenomena.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351832719
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1314
Book Description
Covering the theory, application, and testing of contact materials, Electrical Contacts: Principles and Applications, Second Edition introduces a thorough discussion on making electric contact and contact interface conduction; presents a general outline of, and measurement techniques for, important corrosion mechanisms; considers the results of contact wear when plug-in connections are made and broken; investigates the effect of thin noble metal plating on electronic connections; and relates crucial considerations for making high- and low-power contact joints. It examines contact use in switching devices, including the interruption of AC and DC circuits with currents in the range 10mA to 100kA and circuits up to 1000V, and describes arc formation between open contacts and between opening contacts. Arcing effects on contacts such as erosion, welding, and contamination are also addressed. Containing nearly 3,000 references, tables, equations, figures, drawings, and photographs, the book provides practical examples encompassing everything from electronic circuits to high power circuits, or microamperes to mega amperes. The new edition: Reflects the latest advances in electrical contact science and technology Examines current research on contact corrosion, materials, and switching Includes updates and revisions in each chapter, as well as up-to-date references and new figures and examples throughout Delivers three new chapters on the effects of dust contamination, electronic sensing for switching systems, and contact phenomena for micro-electronic systems (MEMS) applications With contributions from recognized experts in the field, Electrical Contacts: Principles and Applications, Second Edition assists practicing scientists and engineers in the prevention of costly system failures, as well as offers a comprehensive introduction to the subject for technology graduate students, by expanding their knowledge of electrical contact phenomena.