Porous interface stabilized liquid metal current collector

摘要

A homopolar machine comprises a stator provided with channel structures containing liquid metal, a rotor concentrically positioned within the stator with circumferential rotor flanges disposed in the channels, and a porous, resilient braided structure slidably positioned in the channels and immersed in the liquid metal to provide a circumferential wetted surface in intimate contact with the peripheral flange surface. The braided structure comprises a longitudinal strip of braided material supported along its longitudinal edge portions by crimped edges of a braid holder such that the central portion of the braided material is resiliently biased toward the peripheral flange surface. The crimped edges of the braid holder are designed to slide into conforming grooves in the stator channel to facilitate easy replacement of the braided structures. Additional resilience is provided by an additional braided element disposed between the braided material and the braid holder.