Minimization of Splashing of Gallium and its Intermetallides During Operation of a Sliding Liquid Metal Contact Assembly

Introduction. Ensuring reliable operation of a sliding liquid-metal contact unit during operation of an asynchronous electric motor with a phase rotor is one of the main factors of its competitiveness. When operating a liquid metal contact unit equipped with contact rings having a Ushaped outer surface, significant splashing of liquid gallium droplets and its intermetallics is observed over the inner surface of the contact unit. One of the main factors influencing the spattering of gallium and its intermetallic compounds is the shape of the outer surface of the contact ring. The purpose of the study The aim of the study is to minimize the splashing of gallium and its intermetallic compounds of the sliding liquid metal contact unit of an asynchronous electric motor with a phase rotor by changing the shape of the outer surface of the contact ring. Calculation. The design feature of the phase rotor of the asynchronous electric motor imposed an additional requirement on the design of the contact ring, which was made combined, consisting of an outer ring (with a modified shape of the outer surface) and an inner ring, coupled by means of a tight fit. The inner ring was connected to the corresponding rotor winding. The design feature of the phase rotor of the asynchronous electric motor imposed an additional requirement on the design of the contact ring, which was made combined, consisting of an outer ring (with a modified shape of the outer surface) and an inner ring, coupled by means of a tight fit. The inner ring was connected to the corresponding rotor winding. Processing of the Results Obtained. Experimental operation of a liquid-metal contact unit of an asynchronous electric motor with a phase rotor, equipped with a combined contact ring consisting of an inner ring and an outer ring with a pointed outer surface, showed a significant reduction in splashing and a decrease in the deposition of droplets of liquid gallium and its intermetallics on the inner surface of the contact device housing. Conclusions. Giving a pointed symmetrical shape to the outer contour of the contact ring of the sliding liquid metal contact of an asynchronous electric motor makes it possible to minimize the splashing of gallium and its intermetallics on the inner surface of the contact unit and thereby create conditions for its more reliable operation.