HIGH RESOLUTION EXHIBIT PICTURES

a selection of the images exhibited at the International Center of Photography and the National Museum of American History 

From the late 1920's, Science Service news syndicate sent out thousands of photographs showing the activities of scientists. This virtual exhibit highlights some of these photographs.

SYMMETRY OF POWER

CD 1966078 E&MP33.006

Electric Power

Jan. 31, 1942

End-view of 15 capacitors and gaps (storehouses of electric power) in the new surge generator with which the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company puts lightning to work testing all of its completely self-protected distribution transformers.

This apparatus, installed on the testing line at Sharon, Pa. is capable of producing a steep lightning wave front of 1,500,000 volts per microsecond (millionth of a second).

additional text found

CANNED LIGHTNING...

15 capacitors and gaps for production line surge testing. Test voltages rising at a rate of 1-1/2 million volts in one-millionth of a second and currents of 55,000 amperes are used to prove that individual distribution transformers leaving Westinghouse Sharon works are actually lightning proof.

Part of the regular production system, 20 to 40 transformers are tested hourly, depending on type. 

Original Caption by Science Service
^©Westinghouse




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