Abstract: A load bearing structural joint that is fabricated using an electromagnetic process, features a tube that is joined to a fitting of another component. Lightweight materials and thicknesses can be used, because the welding is performed without the adverse effects of annealing or heat. The fabricated structure has an improved strength to weight ratio, and prolonged fatigue life.

Abstract: An energy storage system for use in a magnetic pulse welding and forming apparatus includes a bank of capacitors and a very-low inductance conductive bus system interconnecting the capacitors. The bus system provides the ability to generate a very high frequency, short duration impulse which is needed for welding. The energy storage system further includes an energy source connected to the capacitors, a discharge device, a charging control device, and a discharge control device for selectively initiating discharge of energy stored in the capacitors. Inductor tools used in connection with the energy storage system are split to allow parts to be welded to be easily mounted into and removed from the inductor tools. One part of the split inductor tool is either rotatable or slidably movable relative to a fixed part of the inductor.

Abstract: An energy storage system for use in a magnetic pulse welding and forming apparatus includes a bank of capacitors and a very-low inductance conductive bus system interconnecting the capacitors. The bus system provides the ability to generate a very high frequency, short duration impulse which is needed for welding. The bus system includes first, second and third flat bus panels disposed in closely spaced overlying relation. The second, or middle, bus panel is the “hot” bus and is electrically insulated from the first (lower) and third (upper) bus panels by sheets of electrically insulating material. The first and third bus panels are connected together cooperatively form a ground bus. The bus system overlies the upper ends of the capacitors wherein the second bus panel is electrically interconnected to the respective hot contacts of the capacitors, and further wherein the ground bus is electrically interconnected with the respective ground contacts of the plurality of capacitors.

Abstract: An energy storage system for use in a magnetic pulse welding and forming apparatus includes a bank of capacitors and a very-low inductance conductive bus system interconnecting the capacitors. The energy storage system further includes an energy source connected to the capacitors, a discharge device, a charging control device, and a discharge control device for selectively initiating discharge of energy stored in the capacitors. The discharge device includes a central electrode placed coaxially inside a ring electrode with an adjustable concentric gap, and an ignition electrode designed as a coaxial ring surrounding the central electrode. The central electrode can be movable, i.e. either rotatable or slidable relative to the bus system. To control the direction of movement of the plasma jet, the central electrode is provided with a central air path and tangential jets opening adjacent to the ignition electrode for organizing air flow through the discharge gap.