Effect of Holder Heat Capacity on Bridge Shape at Low Speed Breaking Contact

Abstract

In order to clarify the physics of contact life time, the relationship between heat capacity of holder and shape of bridge (length and diameter) is discussed in this paper. The AgPd₆₀ alloy is chosen as electrode material. Two holders with different heat capacity are comprised of copper plate and cylinder. The shape of the bridge at the low speed breaking contact is observed by using the high speed digital camera. It was demonstrated that the shape of the bridge is changed by the response and distribution of the temperature.