Switch dynamics and instrumentation systems applied to electrical contact phenomena

Summarizes investigations into a number of areas relating to electrical contact behaviour. The mechanism dynamics of snap-action rocker switches is considered, with investigations based on high speed photographic studies. It is shown that by the optimisation of a computer based mathematical model representing the motion, substantial design improvements can be made. Electrical contact bounce is then considered, since the model developed is unable to account for the influence of current on the switch dynamics. Two instrumentation systems are described, one designed for the investigation of fundamental phenomena, contact bounce, arc energy, contact resistance etc; and the other designed for the condition monitoring and endurance testing of hand operated switches