Arc-Tracking, Wire Insulation-Pyrolization, and Current-Derating Vacuum Facility

Description:

• Evaluates pyrolization and arc tracking of insulated wires and current limitation of insulated wires under various thermal space environments.
• Vacuum bell jar uses the cryogenic pump for high-vacuum capabilities.
• Power includes 600 A electric arc welder, three 300 V, 6-a dc power supplies, and 240 to 400 kHz ac power supply.
• 50 MHz EISA computer for real-time data acquisition, process control, and computation.
• Sufficient feedthroughs available to provide cooling, thermocouples, and high current to test area.

Features:

• Research tests performed with complete automated computer control.
• Vacuum system provides 10^-6 Torr operating pressures in bell jar.
• High-speed data acquisition and report generation.
• High-power capability to test articles.
• Provides controlled heating of test articles.

 Research Projects:

• Study pyrolization of polyimide-insulated wires for atmospheric and space applications.
• Conduct arc-tracking tests on samples of wire with candidate insulation materials for space applications.
• Feasibility program to develop space wire derating test procedure for candidate insulations for space applications.

Potential Uses:

• Evaluating electrical and electronic durability of components for space application in vacuum environment.

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Curator: Sandra.A.Zolo@nasa.gov  and NASA Official Responsible For Content:  Sharon.K.Miller@grc.nasa.gov 
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Last Updated: 08/30/2008