Theoretical and experimental investigation of high-current solid-state opening switch based on solid solution (V/sub 1-x/Cr/sub x/)/sub 2/O/sub 3/

A state of activities on development of a new high-current opening switch with solid solution (V/sub 1-x/Cr/sub x/)/sub 2/O/sub 3/ is reviewed. A non-linear diffusion of a magnetic field into a substance, that undergoes a metal-insulator phase transition, as well as a development of thermomagnetic instability at the interphase boundary are studied analytically and numerically. A design of a high-current opening switch based on this solid solution is presented. Fabrication and fastening of breaking element, made of (V/sub 1-x/Cr/sub x/)/sub 2/O/sub 3/, are discussed. The first experimental results on a full-scale model of high-current solid-state opening switch are presented.