Re: an interesting mechanical engineering problem

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Original poster: Jim Lux <jimlux@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

At 05:56 PM 1/9/2007, you wrote:
> Original poster: Russell L Thornton <Russell.L.Thornton@xxxxxxxx>
>
>
> Dr. Resonance,
> May I suggest a solution from my radar industry.  I would use 
> waveguide material.  It can be bent in the radii you need and every 
> joint could be a choke connector.  The choke ends are surfaced for 
> perfect fit, electrically and for holding pressure.  Mechanically 
> strong, and made to be disassembled and reassembled.  C-band has an 
> inside dimension of 1.872 x 0.872 inches and is typically made from 
> brass.  There are all kinds of flex and angle sections available, 
> too for end connections and such.  I mostly deal with the C-band and 
> think it would handle your power as the CW rating is 1.4 to 2.0 
> Mwatts.  I have a table for other sizes if you think you would need 
> larger size.  Let me know.
> Russell, at the Cape

Russell makes an interesting suggestion, and triggered some thoughts.

You can use copper tubing as the conductor, and get Round 
flanges.  They don't have to be microwave waveguide flanges.  The key 
thing is that after brazing the flanges on the end of the tubing, you 
have them surfaced so they are flat.  Then, you just need some rapid 
way of clamping them that is moderately HV compatible.  Regular 
flanges would have 4 or 8 bolts around them, and, with 12 joints, 
that's 50-100 bolts to tighten (you'd tap one side).


However, given the low frequencies, maybe just a "lap joint" with bar 
stock and a lever clamp would be sufficent.  Mechanically, it would 
be like the latch on a tool box.  It goes "over center" and applies 
the clamping force.