Pulsed High Power Brush Research

The successful utilization of homopolar machines for pulsed power applications requires the development of solid brushes capable of operating at very high current densities and slip ring speeds. Relevant data on the major current collection parameters are reviewed and, where possible, functional variations are suggested. Measured data on voltage drops, friction coefficients and wear rates at current densities up to 27.9 MA/m
²
(18 kA/in
²
) and slip ring speeds up to 360 m/s in air, hydrogen and carbon dioxide are discussed.