Electromagnetic force machine with universal portable power supply

Abstract

An electromagnetic force (EMF) machine with a universal portable power supply is disclosed. The universal portable power supply energizes either a multiple turn flux concentrator or a single turn flux concentrator. The flux concentrators produce magnetic fields that create an outward tension force adapted to perform non-destructive bond tests (tension proof loading) and/or dent removal operations on panels or the like. The power supply includes a slow current pulse subsystem; a fast current pulse subsystem; slow and fast crowbars; and, a firing control. The firing control controls the production of pulses by the slow and a fast current pulse subsystems, and, the operation of the slow and fast crowbars. The slow pulse subsystem, via the flux concentrator, slowly creates a magnetic field that penetrates the panel; the fast pulse subsystem, via the flux concentrator, rapidly decreases the magnetic field, whereby a negative field gradient is produced across the panel. The negative field gradient exerts the outward tension force on the panel. Further, a set of control switches control the magnitude of the current produced by the slow current pulse subsystem; and, determine the flux concentrator to which the slow and fast pulses are to be applied. Finally, a charging circuit controls the charge level of capacitor banks forming part of the slow and fast current pulse subsystems such that a predetermined ratio exists between the pulses produced by the slow and fast current pulse subsystems.