Sizing of connection contact plates
Sizing of connection contact plates
(OP)
If I'm designing two surfaces to transmit power when connected to two other surfaces, what are the equations governing the sizes of those surfaces in terms of current carrying ability and proper spacing in between? I'm sure I can start by making sure that their cross sectional area if equivalent to the wire being connected to them, and determining their spacing using Paschen's law, but I was wondering if there was a better analysis I should do.





RE: Sizing of connection contact plates
Usually the surface area is much larger than the conductor. The link gives a typical value of 50A per square inch for large conductors.
http://books.google.com/books?id=EcpMAQAAIAAJ&...
Other considerations include the amount of contact pressure and the heat dissipation characteristics of the surrounding material. Larger contact pressure reduces the contact resistance. NEMA type testing for transmission line conductors requires connectors to operate cooler than the connected cable.
RE: Sizing of connection contact plates
For the heat dissipation I'm assuming you'd calculate the resistance of your connection plate, then determine the ohmic heat generated?
Is there a formula for contact pressure/contact resistance?
RE: Sizing of connection contact plates
For the area and current carrying capacity, I recommend "Electrical Contacts" by Ragnar Holm, Ph. D.
Or have an electrical guy do the dimensioning for you. Just like I ask structural guys Before I do something to my house. There is a reason for our different specializations.
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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