Molding loose metal particles into briquettes with the use of short pulsesof high density current

Theoretical estimates and experimental investigations were carried out on t he process of molding a mixture of metal particles and a dielectric (air) i nto briquettes with the use of short pulses of high density current. Four g roups of specimens were studied consisting of metal fragments and the diele ctric in various proportions. In the experiments and the current and voltag e oscillograms, the electrical resistance and the temperature of the specim ens before and after passing the current were measured and their ultimate s trength was determined. It has been found that the processes affecting the distribution of the current over the specimen cross section and the specime n inductance during the current pulse play an important role in molding bri quettes of sufficient strength for transportation and processing. (C) 2001 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".