LA-5890-MS

,, , (3!6
4
6

..

UC-34
Reporting Issued: Diite: February 1975 March 1975

-* i

An Introduction Magnetic

to Explosive Generators

Flux Compression
by C. M. Fowler R. S. Caird W. B. Garn

e i

DO NOT CIRCUIATE

10s
J
LOS

scientific

_. : ____ (D
alamos
laboratory
MEXICO 87544

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of the University
ALAMOS, NEW

of California

/
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\
Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
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Work

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Advanced Division,

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Technology

.
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CONTENTS ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.-*
1. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

-.
IL

EXPLOSIVES GENERATORS A. B. Elementary Types 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. c.

MAGNETIC FLUX-COMPRESSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Generator Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 2 4 4 6 7 8 10 11 11 11 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 18 20 22 24 25 27 29

Of Generators Spiral Plate Strip or Helical Generators Generators

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Generators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cylindrical Coaxial Spherical Energy Primary a. b. Direct Indirect (1) (2) (3) (4)

Implosion

or Cylindrical Generators Sources Energy Feed

Generators

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Initial 1.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sources.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feed.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Energy Supply . . . . . . . .

or Inductive

Elimination Reduction Overcoming Reduction

of Perturbations in Size of Initial

Source of Magnetic

Inductances Forces

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.

Generators a. b. Energy Force

as Intermediate Boosting Reduction

Energy

Boosters

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Technical 1. 2. 3.

Aspects

of Generator Shaping..

Switching Use

and Pulse

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

of Transformers Limitations Losses

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \ . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Field Effects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Generator a. b. c. Flux

_,

High Magnetic Internal Voltage

Limitations

E.

Energizing

through

Transformers

.-

e.

iii

--

L.

AN

INTRODUCTION

TO

EXPLOSIVE

MAGNETIC by

FLUX

COMPRESSION

GENERATORS

C.

M.

Fowler,

R.

S.

Caird

and W.

B.

Garn

ABSTRACT Various types of explosive flux compression generators are illustrated and their relative advantages are compared. Experiments are described in which energy was supplied by these generators. The experiments were selected to show both versatility and limitations of the devices. Generator principles are derived from lumped parameter circuit theory.

I.

INTRODUCTION Explosives flux frequently for compression devices have in recent

IL

EXPLOSIVES MAGNETIC SION GENERATORS The general principles

FLUX-COMPRES-

been years.

discussed However,

in the literature part,

of explosives

mag-

the most

available specialized.

netic ably

flux-compression well documented. are used part,

treatments This ground

of the subject report gives

have been a rather

devices have been reason3-7 In general, chemical to compress or all, an initial magnetic surface

thorough

backflux detailed more

explosives

covering

most

aspects

of explosives

flux by driving which tors contains moving

of a conducting

compression level. towards are

technology, the text

but not at a very has been developed

the flux.

Work

done by the conduc fields results The the chemof in

Instead, unifying

against

the magnetic

the subject.

Various

applications on those has to

an increase additional ical which These sion energy

in the electromagnetic energy stored comes originally

energy. from

mentioned, the Los

but the emphasis Alamos Some Scientific

has been

in which been

Laboratory has been sections given

in the explosives, to the moving normally more called simply, are

a part conductors.

involved.

coherence in later such

is transmitted devices generators are or,

the report example, large load. ogy

by considering that of using of energy

a specific a

flux-compresgenerators. frequently The called

a device

to supply inductance

amount

to a sizeable aspects

explosively armatures,

driven

conductors

It is s hewn that many must be con sidered

of the technol solution is theory

and occasionally, are called

nondriven stators. theory

elements

before The

a tentative discussion circuit more

of the generators Elementary in Sec. described initial More treated sion II. A,

to the problem

is obtained.

generator classes

is presented are

largely analysis analysis netic

descriptive, has been

and throughout, employed. such other When

different II. B, energy aspects II. D,

of generators

detailed of be mag-

in Sec.

and the means are discussed

of supplying in Sec. II. C. are

is required, diffusion, 2

as a discussion references may

generator technical in Sec.

field

of generator which also

technology

consulted.>

includes

a discusexample,

of operating

limitations.

A specific

that

of delivering

109 J to an inductive affect the design

load

of 10 vH,

coil

from

a capacitor itself When serves

bank.

It can be seen

that the

s hews ator direct

how limitations Attempts feed

of a generby

armature circuit. armature f rent The

as part

of the conducting the metal

system. generator

to energize would

the load

the explosive resulting explosive

is detonated, in a conical detonation that this

be thwarted

by the volt-

expands, with

development ages. are

of excessive based

internal

generator

moving detonation

velocity. front

Calculations given in Sec.

upon idealized

systems

is so timed

conical

II. E and indicate

that the diffithe

shorts current tor. bank

out the generator or, equivalently, also effectively

input at or near peak flux

peak

culties load A.

can be resolved

by transformer-coupling primary Theory components or spiral load coil. coil.

in the generathe capacitor of the down the or

to a generator-driven Elementary Figure

This from

isolates After

Generator

the system. the conical

closure

1 s hews

the basic helical external

of a type. of At

current armature, less

input.

f rent

proceeds turns gives

class

of generators right Ll, The helical

of the

contacting fashion. fairly late

the helical Figure in 2

in a more a view stage.

the lower inductance generator. external sive-loaded flux

is a fixed which

wiping

of the The

is to be energized itself consists

by the of the the exploInitial load

generator induct ante

the detonation
is roughly of turns

generator winding. cylinder,

of the generator of the number proportional the turns are

proportional in the helix, length

t oget her with or armature.

to the square and inversely over which

metal

to the remaining spaced. more The or less value

is supplied

to the generator

and series

generator continu-

inductance
Leads from cap bank ./

LG thus varies time from motion

Hellcat
\

section

ously after

with

its initial

Lo to zero

armature

has ceased. densities developed to distort in the the as a

If the current generator system, function

do not get large the generator of the time. circuit 3.

enough

inductance Under this

can be given condition, schematically is shown the

\
L Detonator
Load

-w
coil 1

generator shown

can be drawn Here

as as a to

in Fig.

the generator

Fig.

1.

Spiral generator, init iat ion.

before

explosive

variable

inductance is L1. (from generator and circuit governing

LG(t).

and the external for source leads

load

be energized inductance residual by l., equation

Allowance external

or waste

various

to the load,

inductance, resistance

etc. ) is indicated is shown as R. The

the performance

e of this

circuit

= , _ , mn
7
1.

Armoture

is then : d z

1-

[( LG+IO+L1)

I]+

IR=OI(0)=

IO.

(1)

11
L~(t)
stage Fig.
3.

090
L,

11

Fig.

2.

The generator aft er explosive

of Fig. 1 at a late det onat ion.

Schematic of generator circuit. The load coil L1 is in series with the generator.

Time ture

is measured shuts

from

the instant input,

that the armatime the

where

we have

abbreviated

the total

circuit

induc -

off the current

at which

ta.nce LG +- lo + L1 by LT. The inductive energy E becomes

current is LG(0),

is I o and the initial denoted

generator

inductance

by Lo below. were perfectly conducting, result is recovconWe inductance stants R = E(t) = Eo~

If the circuit O, the well-known ered that flux circuit. of flux

electrodynmic

LI is conserved Under leads this

in a perfectly condition,

:0) 1 7) XP[-2!*
consider L 1 the case where both the load conand the loss inductance to are the following inductance: specialized the generator (8)

ducting vation

the conser-

to the result:

and we employ for

LO+40+L1 1= LG+!O+L IO 1 (2)

ff>rm

The 1/2 (LG

inductive

energy

in the circuit,

E = This plate inductance generator Lo form approximates in Sec. time T. that for IL B with Equations the initial (6)

+ 20 + L1)12,

can be related E 0

to the initial JO+L1)

circuit inductive 2 XI , as follows: o

energy,

= 1/2 (LO+

discussed and burnout

inductance and (7) then L1

E.

Lo+&o+L1 LG + .&O +

reduce

to the following:

) O
conditions, become: LG o

(3) ~_~7 I(t) = 10

Under current

burnout

= O, the final

and circuit

energy

LO+2+L 1=

o 10 + L1

11

(4)

E(t)

= E.

[1 [1
LT(0) T ~ LT(0) ~ T

Lo (9)

~-+
Lo (lo)

Lo+ E.

l.+ 40 + L1

L1 Eo. (5) are At burnout, at a maximum. the two t = r, The the current energy and energy

is distributed

between The usually way. resistance R in an actual action circuit is tion

inductances

.LO and L1 in proporThe maximum current

to their

induct antes. into the load L

related Among are

to the generator the significant changes

in a complex the

and energy

factors

affecting skin

therefore

become

resistance temperature, proceeds. consider

in conductor

depth, action we (11)

and path length For illustrative where

as generator purposes,

however, If, are is

the case

R is constant. circuit of Eq. (1)

further, functions 1 10 LO+ LO+L1 1

~_~T

the inductances

in the generator the solution

only

of the time,

Lo (12)

El(T) L (0) exp T

= E.

~-

AO+L

I(t) 10% =

[1
-

R o LT(Y)

(6)

It is clear quantity Rr /L.

from

these

equations than 1 for

that the current multia genwith of

The

last

four

terms,

in comparison 3, can be seen the load

with

the cir-

must

be less

cuit sketch voltage

of Fig. across

to represent the

amplification, plication. erator As having

and less a specific the form

than O. 5 for example, indicated

energy consider

drops

inductance,

resistance, dual

the source

inductance,

and the resiThe first term and, of the analoto

--

by Eq.

(8),

inductance

in the generator. across the moving voltage for

an initial

inductance a load

of 1 p H and a burnout of 10 nH. Assume

time

is the potential in fact, circuit. gous

armature the rest

../

10 us powering or loss

a source of 10 ma initial

is the source The term

inductance

of 2 nH,

a resistance The

I dLG /dt [ is somewhat and is sometimes generator is, in fact,

and an initial energy

current

of 5 x 105 A. becomes:

to a resistance For

referred form used

in the circuit

as such. above,

the simple RT/Lo current be less

the ratio for must

R/ I dLG/dt the circuit weighted arbitrary

[.

E.

1/2 102 (Lo+

io+L1)

III general, resistance

multiplication than some with

value time

1/2 (5 x 105)2

X[l.

012 x 10-6]=

126.5

kJ.

of I dLG /dt I for dependence.

a generator

From energy

Eqs.

(11)

and (12) the current at burnout become:

and generator

It is also

clear

from

Eq.

(13) that the /dt)must IR, exceed or the

multiplications

armature drop

potential

I(dLG

the voltage
0.9 1(7)/10 = (= (84.5 ) )09= 54; I = 27

across

the resistance with time. given

initial MA,

current For

must

decrease

the generator or drive

example

earlier, at burnout:

the armature

voltage

becomes

E1(r)/E

:.::;

(-)0 35=2.2; 8=:

A=ldt

dLG I Lo =-=-27x106 r

~ 10-5

El

= 3.7

MJ.

.
It is clear for a minimum that good generator practice and source negligible, the calls of circuit resistance were be 84.5

- 2.7

IVlv.

(14)

This generator do SO. generator later. B. Types Almost be conceived cable. described variants. 1. schematic shown Sec. The

is a very

large

internal

voltage

for cannot is a

inductance. current

If the resistance would

to sustain, Manageability constraint

and most of internal which will

generators voltages be discussed

multiplication 70.5. both be 101.

and the energy were

multiplication also negligible, would W bile tion, ator more Eq. Rr /L. form,

If the source current

inductance

and energy

multipli-

cations

of Generators any number but very most few of generator turn types can

the condition < 1, was

for

current for

multiplicagener-

derived type

a specific

out to be practitypes will be

a related This

of restriction

applies

useful together

generator with

generally. (1) :

may be seen

by expanding

below,

some

of their

Spiral drawing

or

Helical

Generators. of this

A class is in by

of a generator

in Fig. 11. A.

1, and its operation generators are

is described characterized

These

very turn helix

large

initial

inductances

owing The R over

to the multiple L of a u is

section

of 20 turns,

radius

O. 2 m,

and length according to

windings of n turns

of the spiral. and radius by:

inductance a length

O. 5 m has an inductance Eq. (15a). with This large

of 87 KH, inductance

.given approximately

is to be conof O. 22 IJH of the same typical of

trasted for

the calculated solenoidal O. 22-pH generator

inductance generator value

a single-turn The the other

. .
L = 3.95

n2R2 ~+oo9R

#H (MKS)

(15a)

dimensions. those for

is more

classes

considered

0.1

n2R2 ~+o.9R

later. pH (R, w, inches). (15b) In principle, enormous current in low Eqs. (4) and (5) indicate multiplications In practice, spiral voltages generator are that are a

and energy

These in this report

two

formulas

will

be used of their

frequently limits will is

possible number

inductance severely

loads. limit

and a discussion General 8 applicability The square the area

of factors

be helpful. given

of the formula of the radius inside

performance. more limited

Internal because turna

generator

by Terman. arises over

in the

of the possibility of the helix. operate over

of breakspeaklong cur1 MA if the the

numerator windings generators, between

from flux

the circular For spiral

down between ing, times, rent per such

Generally fairly

which this term

is measured.

generators

is replaced of the radii flux

by the difference of the helix excluded In cases and from where

and under densities are

these limited

conditions to values path.

maximum of order Thus, of 20 MA, should arise

the squares since

the armature, the area

is largely

centimeter

of conducting

occupied

by the armature. area

generator turns near

is to deliver the generator Other

a current output

the flux-containing quate using radial approximation this term area

is not circular,

an adeby

be of order from flux the if the

can frequently by ~ in place

be obtained of R 2 . The

20 cm wide. tendency turns when are

limitations

divided

of these spaced

generators too closely. cone

to pocket Pocketing

in the denominator term which makes

is an edge allowance For spiral

effect the

occurs shorts out a

correction finite tors only length

for

the expanding

of the armature completely wiping

of the solenoid. effect correction thickness

generaaccount space

out part preceding therefore wide

of a turn before turn. calls Good for

the edge for

term

should

spiral

generator widely machining

design spaced turns,

the finite helix

of the annular instead Half

relatively and close

between area radial rection applicable This

and armature by the helix. serves Strictly when

of the entire

output

turns,

tolerances section. time use for

enclosed

of the annular for the edge coris

on both the armature The this class relatively of generators

and the helical long generation their they for

separation here. only

better speaking,

the formula density error conductors,

limits

in many used 9, 10

the current

is uniform. for as in

applications. successfully and plasma required the circuit ation period.

Nevertheless, as power 11 sources

have

been

does

not lead coils.

to appreciable For wide

O-pinches applications be switched

multiple

-turn

guns,

alt bough both devices late scale their

single-turn to the coil centrated these mulas

coils

where

the width

is comparable are more conFor the for-

that the plasma at a relatively The also for time

into

diameter, near

the currents

time

in the generof these

the ends inductances

of the conductors. calculated by 1O-2OYO. a generator and spiral from

of operation use as power and for

cases, may As

generators sources

suggesta laser

be too large a specific

certain

devices

charging

example,

with

water

capacitors

when

portability

is a factor.

initial

armature

radius

of O. 1 m,

Most the near The spiral

of our own generator call for much faster

applications generators.

for

The then as

flux-compression evident. The width

process

of the generator

is

future

generator energy

is expected

to be invaluable is, source or output, it will

of the generator, is denoted 4, by .c.

perpendicular by w and the When the top x

an intermediate amplify

booster--that the initial the final,

to the plane length,

of the figure,

---

the energy energy

from for

to supply gener-

as s hewn on Fig. plates are

the starting ator. 2. al view in Fig. coil line.

and bottom the generator

separated is given

by a distance by Eq. (16).

.-

inductance

Plate

Generators. generator at the right

The is shown

cross-sectionschematically load If the cross-sectional an effective becomes turn radius identical with area squared, lx is written as T times formula a oneL =% = 1.257 ~ wH(MKS).
(16)

of a plate 4. Shown

is a solenoidal

connected Explosive

to the generator blocks are

by a transmission upon the upper as shown. Ini-

placed

the inductance (15a) for

and lower tial flux

plates

of the generator, to the generator open slot

to that of Eq. no edge

is supplied

by a capacitor shown Current at the flow by

solenoid The

correction. plates early generally stages of movelocity types ~

bank through upper through arrows, cavity left

the small,

explosively somewhat

driven in their

side

of the generator. conductors developed is indicated blocks are

accelerate tion, which

the generator and the field by the current The explosive their

is indicated in the generator by crosses. detonated at such at,

but gradually is governed

approach by the plate After this

a maximum

and explosive is reached,

and thicknesses. simultanis then given ~=-p: by . 2V.

stage

eously

over

outer slot

surfaces is closed

a time

that (17)

the input current input current.

or near,

peak

This

operation

simultaneously further interflux in This approximate constancy of ~ forms the basis formula of

eliminates action with

the capacitor the system enclosed

bank from and traps metal

the initial The

the statement of Eq.

that the generator that for

inductance a plate

a completely

of the driver dashed

////////////// )A~
system. time position by (8) approximates The ratio generator. to its plates each at a later is shown of the generator (16) length lines, plate moving wit h velocity V. width l/u enters Eqs. and (17) and is usually referred to as the number the inductance meter of squares of such in the generis ator. Thus a generator for

.. .

Explosive

block

1.257

pH per or

of plate

separation

each

////

-1

square,

1.257

nH for

each

millimeter plate

of plate

- $ =

separation such

per

square.

Initial

separations

= + ;==

for

generators

seldom

exceed

O. 1 m,

and

t __.=

~===:===

initial

inductances

are

therefore

in the few-tenths

microhenry squares.

range,

depending

upon the number and energy

of

For

reasonable

current

am-

//////////////

plification, limited

load

inductances

must tens

therefore

be

to a maximum connection

of a few

of nanohenrys. that the 4) which

Fig.

4.

Plate ation

generator schematic. stage, after explosive

A later generinitiation, is of the horizontal lines.

In this

it might

be remarked line (Fig.

inductance connects

of the transmission the generator

s hewn by the new position plates indicated by dashed

to the load,

and is a source

or loss

term,

is also line plate

given

by Eq.

(16). of only

Even

for stage Eq.

The

inductance

of the generator given

at any ely
by

transmission eter,

separations exceeds

a millimsquare. and dis-

of detonation (15a), where

is again the term

approximate width

the loss

inductance lines

1 nH per

w is the

of the

-.

Such transmission wide tance as possible compatible The include mous major

should

be kept

as short

generator effective equals

perpendicular radius

to the figure

and the area Ini-

and separated with voltage advantages simplicity

by the smallest standoff. of plate generators

is that of a circle generator

whose cross

the remaining

section.

tial

inductances tenths are

of such

generators

seldom

exceed of this They

relative

of construction, capacity which time

enor-

a few type

of a microhenry. expensive

Generators to construct. large

current-carrying widths, may

is controlled over of new of large This for gen-

the least

by their which

and the short be operated. now allows with

scale

can also carying large. sively volumes They

be constructed capacity

to have

currentsuitably used extenin large range). to make ini-

they

Development initiation

by making they

the widths have been

detonation areas advance erator

systems

Consequently, for generating (typically

of explosives has probably applications. 3. Strip generator flux

high simultaneity. up new areas

high magnetic in the low with

fields

opened

megagauss

can also studies for

be used

advantage that require

Generators.

The

cross

section in Fig.

tial tor

programs

new genera-

of a strip 5. Initial

is s hewn schematically into the system and the load

techniques. The most common variant strips of this on both class upper of and ia

is introduced

which The

consists direction

of the generator of current fields flow

coil.

generators lower of slot altered form, celes type, plates.

has explosive In this

is s hewn by arrows Detonation input

case,

the metal

contour plates

and the magnetic the explosive at peak nation plate tured

by crosses. to short

in such in cross triangle.

a fashion section,

that the driver the equal variant that

15%

is timed

the current

arms

of an isos generator

current, proceeds

or flux,

in the system. strip,

As detothe top as picof the is

down the explosive is driven for

In another 12 claims Bic henkov energy was

of this

of the initial energy.

of the generator by dotted The lines

downward, stage

explosive This

converted

to magnetic efficiency

one time

is the largest to date. 4.

such

conversion

detonation. evident.

flux-compression

process

reported

Cylindrical

Implosion

Systems. system of the The cylinder to which The a liner, An inicases to

Several are

views

of a cylindrical

implosion 6. Two

shown

schematically show the system cons iats

in Fig. before

sketches initial centered is attached thin-walled plays

detonation.

assembly within

of a thin-walled ring charge

an explosive

a ring metal

of high quality cylinder,

detonators. called

usually

the role

of the generator within through

s.ko

armature. in most pair )

t ial flux
Lood coil

is induced current (See

the liner, a coil

by passing the system.

external

Fig.

5,

Strip generator schematic. Detonation proceeds down the explosive strip and a later generation stage is indicated by the new position of the top conductor shown by dashed lines.

Sec.

II. C. lb.

Detonation flux of in

of the charge the liner. the liner

is timed third

to correspond sketch shows

to peak the position

The

at a later

stage

in the implosion.

Detonator ring

=== ==_ = 6+, ::

then are recovered. Typical initial liner inductances since usually liner only a few tens of nanohenrys are only most radii and lengths a few centimeters. This class of generators is of historical discussed interest because the open literature. 15 MG, it was 3 the first type in Magnetic fields in excess of the largest ever achieved terrestrially, have been produced in some systems. Such fields contain energy the most concentrated electromagnetic
\ \

--

density

ever

produced

over per

an experimental centimeter

W[ner 0r0ver5ev (3) d!)

region--almost a megajoule cubic Owing to the rapid rate at which area is decreased during the latter stages of implosion, in excess field rises commonly The achieve values of 15 MG//.rs.. rate of field increase is one measIn this faster or at ure of the speed of generator implosion operation.

\
Fig. 6.

sense,

cylindrical generators

systems

are

than other Views of a cylindrical implosion system. The upper and lower left figures show the system before implosion. Cylindrical implosion is achieved by simultaneously initiating the row of high quality det. ontors mounted on the ring c barge. The lower right figure shows a view of the liner at a later stage of the implosion. more. times this

by an order increase speeds.

of magnitude are also used

Rates

of current generator

to classify rate

However, class since

is not intrinsic -carrying capacity

to a generator can usually

current

be altered conductors time

by varying without scale.

the width

of the generator changing

appreciably

the generation

Insofar perfect cording following . BOR04

as the liner flux

may

be assumed

to be a acsive.

Cylindrical Great care

implosion must

systems

are

expen-

conductor, to basic relation . = BR.

within

it is conserved theory. The

be exercised

to maintain Liner tolerances systems can

electromagnetic then obtains:

as symmetric dimensions and only (18)

an implosion must

as POSS ible. close

be held to very quality rarely near

the highest Only

explosive is the region the center use.

be tolerated. fields (a small for

of highest of the liner) there in the use Thus, lo-

region

We

can obtain theory

the same as follows:

relation

from

engineering of end is given sole-

suitable

experimental impressive

However, advances

circuit

In the absence of the cylinder for a single

have been

recent

corrections, approximately noid where

the inductance by Eq. the term of flux (15)

of transformers these cated sources systems transformer for 5. is The upper some

in high field in combination cannot

environments. with a centrally

-turn

rAJ the length is LI then shows as R2.

of the liner. that the liner the magnetic Eq. (18)

be ruled

out as power

Conservation currents field vary

-.

high speed

applications. Generators. a coaxial

inversely proportional

Since

Coaxial sketch

or Cylindrical 7 shows

is also

to the current,

of Fig.

Annulor

Detonation again ~+ time Q system. expands As that maximum timed

of the armature the input current

explosive slot

is at such

.-

load
cap bank

coil

to close

current

To

or flux

is in the the armature

detonation

proceeds, which

in a conical velocity.

front

moves

with

detoflux

-.

nation

Again, is clear.

the manner

in which

is compressed The common

lower

sketch of this

of Fig. class

7 shows

the most Here while The is at the

variant

of generators. of stator,

the central T Ring of detonators the outer explosive, detonated left ture lines. The length

cylinder cylinder

plays becomes

the role

the armature. cylinder, s hewn front

in the form by a ring

of a hollow

of detonators, The conical

of the figure. at one instant

of the armaby dotted

of detonation

is shown

inductance outer

of a coaxial and inner sketch

generator radii (stator

of and

.4 and with for

armature is given Fig. 7. Coaxial or cylindrical generators. The upper figure s hews basic components, consisting of an inner, explosive loaded armature and a cylindrical outer stator. A later generation stage, after explosive initiation, is indicated by the conical armature front moving with detonation velocity and shown by dashed lines. A variant of this construction with external armature and internal stat or is s hewn in the lower figure.

the upper (19):

of Fig.

7) R2 and RI

by Eqs.

= #

log

R2/R1

(19a)

0.2

log

R2/R1

vH/m.

(19b)

The

above

inductance the two

formulas are

apply

only

to a SYS length and

tern where generator are The and load coil. also Generators called of this type ders. upon occasion basic generator cylinder, inner cylindrical include generators.
cal

cylinders are

of equal

the end conductors Corrections end conductors as well (Fig. are 7). also

perpendicular be made from built for

to the cylinvarious coni-

must arising

the armature into the system of coaxial exceeding from length, a few Eq. with of 10 2)

components

the stator, expansion, as those Initial small, As initially inductances seldom

or outer loaded annular supplied input slot flows coil, field

and the armature, The load coil

the explosivepictured current is tenths of a microhenry. a cylindrical radius an example, of 1. 5-m (19b) generator is generators

cylinder.

or doughnut -shaped. by a capacitor at the left. the outside through indicated

Initial

bank through Arrows cylinder, show

the annular that the current the load cm, has an initial
(30/10) = 0.33

stator

of 30 cm and armature inductance

PH.

radius

along

through

LG(0)

= (1. 5)(0.

and back lines B,

the armature. by circles They

Magnetic and crosses, the armaare

x log

This circular ture space load or tangential. rest ricted the atator encircle high current and are between coil. essentially to the annular Since and armature and to the current

class

of generators capability along

is characterized and ruggedness. axes,

by

-carrying flows

the cylindrical

the

minimum

width

available

for

carrying

current

is the

circumference example a width

of the inner with

cylinder. a radius for

In the above of 10 cm, the current. lIJO MA for a has

the armature, of about

63 cm available could carry

Such a generator microsecond The seen energy moving fields The from

~bout

or two. rugged /Yig. 7. nature As of the generator earlier, energy against and load therefore The can be explosive by forcibly magnet circuit. improves magnetic as ic Current
Input

mentioned

is converted the generator trapped

to magnetic armature

in the generator effectiveness fields increase.

generator

the magnetic in turn, exert

fields,

pressure

on the conducting

elements

of the generator. generator, imer both they The

In the case

of the cylindrical the Because

the pressures and expand form much

tend to compress the outer one.

cylinder conductors can sustain spherical

complete greater

closed magnetic

surfaces, pressures. as well with some Fig. 8. Spherical generator schematic. The inner spherical sector is driven outward by the central explosive and serves as the armature. The external sphere is the stator and the annular ring connect ed to this sphere is the load coil. A later generation stage, after explosion, is shown by the new position of the armature indicated by dashed lines.

generator

discussed system

below, and,

as the cylindrical reservations, are strip also

implosion

the plate This which limited

generator

discussed to spiral

earlier. and

rugged.

is in contrast are of flimsier

generators often

construction by magnetic magnetic

and are forces.

in performance

field

lines

are

circular around into

or tangential the generator

and

6. a spherical with

Spherical generator

Generators. is shown in Fig.

The

sketch

of

are axis. tral

located Their section

symmetrically directions shown

8, together coil. The joined Inithe input opening coni-

and out of the diame are indicated position action The fluxby of

an annular

or doughnut-shaped of sectors conducting of two

load

in the figure respectively. way through circular is again

generator together tial flux

consists with conical

spheres planes.

crosses

and dots, part

The

glide

the armature indicated compression The

generator arcs. evident.

is

is developed leads

in the system across

through

by the dashed process inductance

current between cal

connected

the circular

the inner The

spherical inner device

sector

and the left sector

of the generator spherical

depends radii and and and the

section.

spherical (shown

is driven and spherical is deto-

upon the difference upon the cone armature cone radii

of the two

by the explosive plays sector nated shorts current. by arrows the role

cross-hatched) The outer device

half-angle.

Denoting

the stator

of the armature. The

by R ~ and R ~, respectively, by 8, the inductance

is the stator. at such a time

explosive

half-angle

expression

that the expanding input opening of current flow

armature input

becomes:

-+
(R2-R1) 10g (cot ~) (20a)

out the current Directions adjacent

at peak are

indicated The

(P/~)

to the conductors.

10

L = 0.4( R2-R1)

log

(cot;),

PH (MKS)

(20b) tions (Figs. banks

a. 2, 4,

Direct 5,and

Feed. 7) show

Previous leads The

illustrafrom capadis in the dis -

.-

As

a specific

example,

when the cone and armature

half-angle radii differ

is by

citor charge

to the generators. the circuit

current

O. 1 raci and the stator

through

upon switching

--

1 m the inductance In common cussed current rugged armature devices, a suitable required. c. Initial As generator earlier, - cdrrying construction. makes and also debris

of the generator with the coaxial also

is 1.2 KH, generators dis -

capacitor charge

bank follows represented

the classical (21):

sinusoidal

by Eqs.

this

generator

has enormous I=VO ~ T Sinut =

capability The

and has a particularly spherical for shape of the nuclear

2EOC Sinmt (21a)

LT

it attractive eases

use with

the problem vessel

of constructing if such is E _l - ~

(21b)

containment

Energy in Eq.

Sources (5), the energy output energy of a E o ad-

Oc

CV02

(21C)

noted

is proportional For this

to the initial reason

= LOI a? OG L E=~OEoc. OG

Lo

2Eoc/

LT

(2 ld)

in the generator. vantageous largest to load

it is usually with the Generators any source

generators

initially

(21e) T

amount

of energy devices the initial for

possible. and almost energy the initial

are

flux-compression that can furnish is a potential Generators magnetic have

in magnetic generator against

form energy. large to

Here,

C is the capacitance voltage, LT

of the bank, inductance

V.

its of the

source also work

c barging circuit.

the total

more

efficiently

fields

and it is usually magnetic energy

advantageous also

The (21b) period.

period

of the discharge current earlier, occurs

is given

by Eq.

the initial

at reasonably

and maximum As are described timed

at the quarter detonation input and sup-

high fields. Primary Sec. citor II. C. 1. banks, for energy The sources are discussed in

generator

systems ply at,

to close current

off the current and Eqs. and energy

discussion stores,

is restricted and battery devices

to capabanks, sources,

or near,

peak

(21d)

inductive some

(2 le)

then give

the initial this

flux

of the bank apply. is

although such have

low-energy

other

generator.

After

time

the capacitor (21) no longer

as ferroelectric application. sources Primary

and ferromagnetic Generators are treated

materials, ener-

out of the circuit The necessitates ally the effects

and Eqs.

as intermediate in Sec. Sources. H. C. 2. Initial either by

presence some are

of resistance modifications relatively

in the circuit in Eqs. (21). Usuare

gy boosting 1. energy passing

Energy

small.

Currents generator where

can be supplied currents the initial

to generators them directly,

normally energies generator keep from

reduced

by 10-1570 and initial However, is small in cases

through

thereby

by 20-30Y0. inductance

the to

creating ting

magnetic

fields, coil banks energy

or by generawhich surrounds almost where-

it is imperative small,

the fields

in an external Capacitor

the waste Eq. (21e),

inductance otherwise

terms much

as seen ener-

the generator. exclusively as external

are

used

of the initial bank will

as direct source

field coils

sources,

gy available source

from

the capacitor

end up in

may

also

be superconduct

inductances.

ing or battery-powered.

Capacitor of 100 kJ are speaking,

banks

that stdre

energy

in excess

. .. .-. ..

now relatively

common.

Generally costs go up

installation

and maintenance time discharge

as the inherent creased. given creased voltage), reduced. an order same The

discharge inherent is reduced therefore

of the bank time

is deof

of a bank is debank

energy

as the capacitance requires a higher

(which

.
are

and also

as the loss for fast

inductance banks for

terms

Such costs of magnitude Within

can exceed bank

by of the

those rather

a slower limits

energy.

wide

generator reFig. 9.

r.,

;.
>.,: ,.

operation quired

is relatively

independent energy. are

of the time Thus effective advantage

t.-.b- -:... . t~ . .-. u ---------------.,...

-W-d.

. ...

. .... flux- compres -

to supply

the initial voltage

relatively as initial from an

Photograph

of cylindrical

S1OW banks energy economic

of modest --a

sources

considerable

viewpoint. b. Indirect or Inductive inductively Feed. when Generthe

sion system components. The assembled system is shown at the top. Individual components shown include a coil pair and the thin-walled cylindrical liner. The ring of detonators has not yet been attached to the charge shown in the assembled system.

ators

are

initially difficulties

energized are

following (1) closure direct

experienced: that arise from explosive for Compression implosion. coils is too heavy or forces. heavy result fields Attempts of around 4 MG are energy obtained in these by

Perturbations

of the current current (2) feed are

input openings excessive, storage

necessary

to put more

in destruction the energizing cable they

of the coils coils are

by magnetic wound of

Initial

capacitive

When welding currents fields

bulky, (3) Initial generator inductance is so low circuit

can sustain

somewhat and initial mag-

higher netic

before

destruction

that the source stores too much (4) great with

inductance

in the capacitor energy, or load

of 30-35 fields still led

kG can be induced of 5-6 MG larger to other

in the liner.

of the available

Compression are too Efforts of coil

can then be obtained. fields by means force effects

Forces direct

on the generator feed. (1) Elimination

to obtain pairs perturb as those have

initial

magnetic initial

of Perturbations. system and 9. The steel

which such fields

the system. required

Higher

fields,

An assembled some

cylindrical

implosion are

to produce are

compression produced and

of its components cylinder,

s hewn in Fig.

of 10 MG or more, coil which system. armature, because 30 times

now usually

thin-walled with bank coil

or liner,

is of stainless

in a single the explosive

surrounds

both the liner

a thin inner introduces pair

cladding flux

of copper.

A capacitor by energizing the The

into the liner the explosive

The less being were steel some perfectly

or liner,

is made

of stainhigh,

straddling have

ring

c barge.

its resistivity

is relatively

detonators The absence

not yet been

mount ed on the charge. slot precludes pertur-

that of copper.

If the liner flux could of

of an input liner explosive

conducting it. With

then no initial liner

bations Performs are order

during quite

compression The initial within

and the system energizing coils fields of

be induced order
Cd

within

thicknesses 10 cm,

reproducibly. sturdy that

1-2 mm

and diameters used here,

of order capacitor

t ypi-

sufficiently

magnetic the liner.

of the systems risetime$

bank-coil long

25 kG can be induced

pair

of 150-200

ps are

sufficiently

12

for

adequate

flux

penetration the implosion

through time faster. during for

the liner. scale is more

On

case would

since have

the bank required

and its a mass mass, source,

associated of some

circuitry 8000 kg. of

the other

hand,

than an order

of magnitude then results time

Relatively implosion appreciable

good because flux

the total for citor

power

supply energy

140 kg were a small density

required capa-

--

flux

trapping

the initial bank

16-kJ

insufficient

is available

made

of high-energy

capacitors. recently mass

-.

diffusion

out of the liner. In some of the earlier were slotted cylindrical implosion could The such

Some to a similar and size supply joules ruled store

consideration experiment

has been in which

given

comparable

systems

t~

liners directly

so that they bank.

restrictions but where

were plasma

placed energies

upon the power of a few mega-

be energized liners could

by a capacitor of better Systems

then be made or copper. produce

conductors, using fields these

were

required.

Results bank

of early

calculations energy

as aluminum liners 3 MG could

out a capacitor because

as the initial mass

compression

up to 2 or but the initial for The pro-

of the excessive hand, feasible.

and volume energy solebe enerstores

in a fairly

reproducible more

manner, erratic

required. storage noidal

On the other appeared coil wound quite around

inductive

performance fields duction were

became increased

as the

An external would magnetic

to values

necessary fields.

the generator the initial types

of higher

compression was

origin per-

energized,

thus supplying Two

of the erratic turbations

behavior

traced slot.

to implosion

gy to the generator. seemed feasible: aluminum

of inductive cryogenically in flight coil

caused

by the liner (2) Reduction

a high purity, coil, powered

in Size

of Initial which

cooled tery before lems, tions small use tions. to test

by a bat-

Energy have

Supply.

Excepting lifetime relatively

water of only bulky

capacitor, a few

bank;

and a superconducting Partly decided because to restrict coil was for

energized prob -

a storage are

microseconds, stores. store energy and

launch. it was

of scheduling further energy

capacitors Typical at a few about a joule

as energy

investigastore. to test applicaunnecessary were of the the some exA

high-energy tenths

dens ity capacitors per cubic

to the superconducting experimental of this type effort

of a joule

centimeter

undertaken generator appear there coupling

150 J/kg , whereas per cubic centimeter a magnetic

water for

capacitors a short

can store time. On a field of 3.5

of storage glance

At first such

it might However,

the other of about J /cm3,

hand,

storage energy

unit with density

a system.

30 kG has a storage an order of magnitude

questions ternal

related coil

to the mutual

greater

than the cor-

storage

to the generator stage. energy From

during

responding Similar for

unit for

high- energy

dens it y capacitors. with per inductive unit mass. stores

explosive of supplying tight

generation the initial

the standpoint

gains

can be obtained storage test rocket firing, density series,

to the generator, coil and generator calculations is reduced is also near genwill

the energy

coupling

of the storage However, this much

In a recent plasma 200 km. some guns were 13 Upon

generator-powered to altitudes guns of

desirable.

idealized coupling

-launched the plasma

s how that unless erator return burnout

disc barged

of the energy cell. the various

generated

300 kJ of neon plasma total rocket payload for was

into the ionosphere. about 500 kg, power a number of which supply. of

to the energizing Figure 10 shows

The

generator storage helical from

comtest genera

230 kg was

allowed limit was

the generator as were

ponents series. ator

used The

in the superconducting spiral section of a small

8-

This

mass

met,

additional

geometric guns are

and constructional normally clearly powered impossible

constraints. by capaciin this

is shown bank, coaxial

in the center. when load used, coil

Input leads are

Such plasma tor banks,

capacitor integral

at the top, beyond

and an the

but that was

extending

13

-,

-.

..

--

Fig.

10.

Small-scale generator used in flux input tests. The spiral section with integral coaxial load is s hewn in the center. The thin-walled aluminum armature, loaded with cast cyclotol explosive, is shown at the right. Initial flux is introduced into the generator in several ways: by capacitor bank direct feed through cables bolted to the holes shown in both spiral and armature inputs; by inductive feed through the capacitor bank powered coil shown at the left, into which the generator fits; and by a steady field produced by a superconducting . . 11. coil shown in Fig.

Fig.

11.

Superconducting coil used as source of initial generator flux. Only part of the coaxial load section of the generator shown in Fig. 10 is visible, projecting below the superconducting coil system.

was

only

about from

11 cm,

is just

visible

in Fig.

11

projecting which

the bottom

of the helium Nb-Ti was made

dewar coil. to supply R elatests curburnout

houses

the superconducting an effort

In all the tests about tive was the same generator gauged

input flux performance

to the generator. for the various output

by the ratio load

of maximum coil

generator tion. The

winding generator

is seen

at the bottom made

of this

sec -

rent

into the coaxial flux test

at generator

armature,

of aluminum

to the initial The

supplied results were

to the generator. were quite with satisfactory. superconductdirect feed.

and loaded Several with direct through bank (as

wit h cyclotol, generators

is s hewn at the right. of this energy, type were fired The

identical

best

results storage

obtained

various feed

sources with

of input

including feed

ing energy The flux ratio for

and the worst generated feed

with

a capacitor coil

bank, powered in Fig.

inductive

.
of maximum current test was test. Inductances, feed are to initial some 15~0 * the superconducting than that for (3) Magnetic fields

an overwound shown feed 11.

by a capacitor 10), and finally, coil outer as shown diameter

!
I

at the left

greater

the direct Overcoming

feed

indirect in Fig.

from The

a superconducting generator, whose

Source

produced

by direct

current

14

usually ments, sense

closely including such feed feed

confined those

to the current of the generator. This such may

carrying In this

ele-

where

J is in amperes field same becomes analysis

per
BPEAK

meter.
=

For

this or

case 28.6 12, IPK

the peak kG. 9 where The

2.86

W/m2

is efficient. situations, implosion are used.

be compared in Fig. where of the and not is

for

case

(b) of Fig. uH, gives

to indirect for

as shown feed

the coil

inductance 1 +22.1

is 22.1

the cylindrical coil pairs

system Here, beneath words,

. [2xlo5/(o. since sity there becomes is

)1 O-Y2

= 95 M.

However denfield at

external magnetic within quite

the bulk the coils

1 turn/cm, 9.5 MA/m

the linear

current

energy

is located

and the solenoids W/m2 of 119 kG.

poor.

the liner. In other } Indirect feed feed when

the coupling more

peak becomes This comparison be made coupling turn

BP:*K = 11.9 example because

becomes

efficient in the

presents source smaller

a rather inductances than

extreme can usually

than direct direct tance feed

the source greatly

inductance exceeds

arrangement

the induc -

considerably

O. 1 KH and the to the multiple-

of the generator. in Fig. pictured, capacitor of O. 1 IJH. solenoidal Eq. (15a)), because from

Such a case 12. the energizing bank The load with low coil,

is illustrated

of the single-turn is somethat Nevertheless profitable (4)

solenoid better many

schematically As of a 100-kJ inductance single-turn lated gize tance. initial from

solenoid

than can usually cases arise in

circuit

consists source of the

be realized. which

a circuit inductance 4.2

it is more

to energize

inductively.

Reduction fields exert

of Magnetic forces on currenttroublesome, during the explo-

nH (as calcu to enerinduc47. of the coil. AS

Forces. carrying not only sive

Magnetic conductors

makes

it unfeasible source about

and can be quite conductors

it directly As bank seen

of the large Eq. (21e) only

on unsupported stage in which

or generation the time

of a generator the initial These treated given

but also is introvolume on

energy from Eq.

EOC gets (21a)

into the load current

during duced forces

energy magnetic

calculated the circuit = 1.39 Magnetic MA

the peak

through

into the generator. can be conveniently surfaces

is IPK or 2.28 fields

= [2x

105/(0. 1000+O. over

0042)10-~12 coil length.

as pressures (22):

MA/m

the 61-cm are given

the conducting

by Eqs.

in long

solenoids

by B = IJJ, 2 P = ~ (CGS) (22a)

2 P = ~ (MKS). (22b)

Figure

13 illustrates generator and width feed

both

direct

and inductive is 1, initial

feed

of the plate height Xo,

whose

length

u (perpendicular the magnetic

to the figure). field is essenand pres In

In the direct

case

(b)
n Fig. q12.

q l

1---1
.
Flux injection by direct feed into a single-turn solenoid (a) and by inductive feed (b). The single-turn solenoid has a radius of 2.54 cm, and length 61 cm. The multiple-turn solenoid has a radius of 3.05 cm and 61 turns are equally spaced over a length of 61 cm.

tially

confined

to the interior faces are

of the generator to magnetic outward.

all generator sures case faces sive which (b), are

subjected

tend to force on both

the plates sides

the fields equal.

of the generator are net compres there there are is no no

Alt bough there

stresses

on the generator

plates,

net forces tendency

on the plates; for the generator

consequently to expand.

15

As
S=0

an example,

if the plate more

area.1 density than 1 mm thick

is 1 for cop-

gin/cm per) from

(somewhat field

and a peak a capacitor

of 100 kG is obtained the plate reaches

in 50 us

discharge, the field

is displaced 100 kG. for most addiplate an

B=o

/
feed (b) Inductive feed

about

1.7 mm when

Such a displacement (a) Fig. Direct 13. systems. Magnetic fields produced in and adjacent f!o a rectangular cross-section coil by direct current feed (a) and by inductive feed (b). tional III the case mass

is intolerable generator,

of the plate rests

explosive increases

on top of the upper mass by perhaps

and this order

the effective Even so,

of magnitude. of O. 17 mm

the resulting serious Eq. for

dissome

placement We can estimate plates the areal for the degree the direct of motion feed case of the as applications. displacement reduced. equal smaller coil

is still from

It is clear is less For

(26) that the T can be banks of

top and bottom follows grams magnetic total time . per Let

serious

if the time capacitor

density

of the plates and suppose

be m a peak in is

example, but different

of two

square field T. BM The

centimeter, is built field

energy

capacitances, deliver

the one of to the plate

up in the generator on time

capacitance time

would

its energy would be less

dependence

in a shorter

and there

assumed

to be of the form

displacement. Another way of combatting some peak initial field the displacement flux in the gen-

B(t)

= BM

(;)n.

(23)

problem erator Thus

is to sacrifice by firing it before

is reached. 90% of the maxSubstitution

from flux time

Eq.

(23) when

n = 1/2,

When the sinusoidal bank feed, field The Eq.

n = 112, time

the field

buildup obtained

approximates by capacitor closely generators. is given by to

imum of this

is reached in Eq. is only

when (25)

t = O. 81 T.

variation

shows

that the displacement instead small of the sacrifice the dis -

while

n = 2 corresponds from

more

at that time 1.7 mm

about

O. 9 mm flux.

buildups pressure (22a)

obtained

explosives of the plate of motion

obtained is usually

at peak worth

The

on a unit area

in flux

accepting

to realize component

and the equation

of the plate

significant placements. 2.

decrease

in generator

becomes

Generators Generators

as Intermediate are frequently 14).

Energy used as inter-

mj/

. B2 8r

(+)2.

(24)

Boosters. mediate

energy

boosters

(Fig.

The

plate

displacement

Ax

at time

t becomes

2 Ax==. M

t(2n

+ 2)

(25) T2n(2n + l)(2n +2) Fig.

A
becomes 14.

and the displacement

at B

, t = T,

.
BM (Ax)T = ~ T (2n + 1) (2n + 2)
(26)

Circuit schematic of a system that employs a series booster generator B. This generator boosts the initial energy stored in the capacitor bank A to a higher value which then serves as the initial energy for the output generator C, which finally energizes load D.

.*

16

Generally ator C required

speaking, is determined

the type

of output gener-

relatively of carrying several provided available. capacitor left

low

inductance

spiral

generator

capable

by the characteristics Two situations to power arise the

several

megamperes

and supplying gun load,

of the load frequently major energy may

D to be energized. in which

hundred initial Since bank,

kilojoules input only

into the plasma of 60-75

it is not feasible directly from

energies

kJ are in the

output source

generator A. First,

the primary energy to energize source the

16 kJ were generator was

available

the primary than required

the spiral horizontally)

s hewn at the to boost for was the also and Leads enter of of a

store

less

energy

(positioned

designed energy

output erated

generator. during initial

Second, energy feed

the magnetic buildup

fore es gen-

the energy major

to about

75 kJ as initial The major low

in the output The

generator. generator

generator

generator following

by direct examples a.

may

be too disruptive. these points. Figure The

spiral

with

initial

inductance capacity. energy source The

illustrate

relatively 15 shows assembly from

high current

-carrying bank

Energ y Boosting. on the firing boosting table. generator.

the initial

capacitor from

a shot includes quent

assembly

the boost er generator the booster the major generator burnout. a major generator generator was

the left.

output

an energy

The tests used

subseleading in the

is connected by coaxial

to the input The

shot was

one of the preliminary of the power plasma supply

cables. booster

major

to the development rocket earlier, 16-kJ coil, equal (which The were -launched in which capacitor shown

not detonated the booster functioned

until

generator stage, the

gun experiments energy vertical

mentioned source was load about

During generator

generating as a load s hewn

the primary bank. The

coil. 15 and

coaxial

In the arrangements in Fig. generators erator. erators although 16, which are is discussed

in Fig.

at the right,

had an inductance plasma time

later,

the booster gengen-

to that of the average actually varied with

gun inductance discharge). coil

series

-connected

to the output output

during

It is also inductively it was power b.

possible

to energize of booster for

cables

coming

from

the top of the load measuring probes.

by means

generators,

connected The

to field

not practicable source. Force

the rocket-

output, coil

or major,

generator

connected It is a

launched

to the load

is shown

in the center.

Reduction. expression when for a peak T.

Equation generator magnetic

(26)

gives

an approximate displacement is reached

component field BM

in a time

The time history

displacement of the field under

depends rise

strongly

on the

to peak.

Equation that the magto Eq. by (23),

(26) was netic where field

derived

the assumption according produced

increased

to peak field

the sinusoidal

rise

G-

Fig.

15.

Shot setup

with

a series

booster

generator.

l?ig.

16.

Two-stage

strip-plate

generator.

17

capacitor

banks

was

approximated hand,

by using the field sources

n = 1/2 buildis fairly

this

field

to about generator value

375 kG as the starting stage. Again, too much fields

field

for

in the equation. up from well many

On the other explosive with

the plate than this

higher of

generator a value

produced Final fields coil

displacement 2 MG were burn-

approximated (26), capacitor as great

of n = 2.

According suffered be five ener-

the top plate. produced out .

of around at plate

to Eq. from times gization

the component bank

displacement ion would from in time is only real

in the load

generator

energizat

as that obtained field BM

generator T. qualitative, and in many

A number generators

of investigators for coaxial

have

used

spiral and

to, the same The above

discussion is quite

but

Sakharov a spiral

as boosters 5 have et al. generator

generators,

developed

a system for

in which a cylin-

the principle cases crucial. generator system ters, plate load from

involved

is used

as a booster

minimization Figure system consists

of component 16 is a photograph illustrating of two series this

displacements of a two-stage principle. generator

is

drical D.

flux-compression Technical Switching Aspects

system. of Generator shaping Technology out-

The boosputs briefly

and pulse feed

generator are discussed

strip

in direct in Sec.

load-

situations Use

the triangular generator coil

channeled coil.

sections, The

an output cylindrical

II. D. 1.

of transformer capable in Sec. discussed high-energy units

coupling of being H. D. 2. in

and a load generator

to extend energized Various Sec. direct

the range

of impedances is treated are that

and plate

cavity wedge.

are

formed strip of strips of explo-

by a generator generator

the large

centrs3

brass

The

limitations

generator of sheet

explosive explosives

(not shown) placed

consists

II. D. 3, and it is shown feed of large inductive

in the four The plate

channels

storage Section show

by a

the triangular sive system with

sections. consists a plane

generator piece They

generator idealized tive

is not feasible. calculations units which

II. D. 4 presents that such inductrans-

of a separate wave lens.

of HE, are placed

together

storage

can be energized

through

upon the channeled wedge

flat

section block. Initial from

over

the triangular The sequence of

former

coupling. 1. Switching earlier that, and Pulse subject Shaping. to conditions output pulse, It was dealgencusto-

cut out of the brass is as follows: assembly

operations to the entire through s beet

energy

is supplied bank flux, ends the of the

mentioned

a capacitor At peak at the far After

ing wit h the nature erator marily sources. The O-pinch output outputs used

of the single

the input slot explosives strip are

at the top. detonated

can often more

be handled conventional

in ways electrical

with

triangular input

generators. detonation generator explosive starts cavity

closure

of the is

current

slot,

proceeds and load

and flux cavities.

of a spiral of Refs.

generator

used

in the sharpso

pus hed into the plate The time plate generator

experiments

9 and 10 was fusing element

is detonated compressing upon burnout

at such the flux of the

ened by means that an initial around used

of a nonlinear high-voltage coil.

that the top plate

spike The

could

be placed setup The genof

9

in the wedge-shaped strip generators. This high magnetic produced system fields

the 6-pinch

experimental in Fig. 17.

is shown burnout

schematically time short was length,

was

first

developed coil.

to produce Initial fields 75 kG,

erator

about

40 ps.

Because plasma for

in the load

its relatively could only

the O-pinch

by the capacitor value

bank were could

about

be subjected a few

to magnetic To

compression make

v the maximum without the system structural strip withstand from magmicroseconds. and therefore also necessary the plasma compres excessive The distortion conducting, s ible, it was magnetically

net ic forces.

generator

action

increased

to put a high-voltage

18

q II
.--

f I

%ot;k

Sooster

r-

out

Dut

Bollast Iood

.
Fig. 17. fuse element ~enerator A, with nonlinear B. The fuse is so designed that the dielectric insulator D breaks down across the spark gap C at a prescribed voltage and time during the generation stage, thus switching load E into the system.

Fig.

18.

pulse

around

the O-pinch compression

coil

before

subjecting was

it to

the magnetic plished switching ment

field. of pulse

This

accomand Eleat detonators. The first

Schematic of rocket-borne generatorpowered plasma gun system. Detonators were fired sequentially to actuate the plasma gun neon valve (l), switch in the capacitor bank (2), initiate the booster (3) and output generators (4), and to switch in the plasma gun (5).

by the combination indicated a spark voltage, strength B was

shaping C,

by elements gap switch determined

B,

and D.

The detonator

neon plasma fired

gun was

pulse -loaded. to

C was

set to break

down

actuated gun.

a mechanism Switch

a specified breakdown Element fuse

by the pretested insulator resistive and con(thus necessary D.

release

neon to the plasma bank third then

2 comected and ballast generinto the

of the dielectric constructed

the capacitor load. ator output The which

to the two

generators

a carefully with low

detonator increased The then

fired

the booster flow

designed

initial that

resistance it vaporized

the energy for Finally, fired

structed leaving to break priate Owing

in such

a manner not only

generator. were

detonators

the output at the and the plasma

the circuit)

at the voltage but also energy

generator appropriate gun was

initiated. 5 was

down the spark time

gap, during

at an approgeneration. the

time,

switch

preselected

coupled The shot used

into the circuit. assembly in these plasma from of Fig. 15 shows the two

to the nonlinear output pulse cost

character was

of the fuse,

generator

considerably

sharpened

generators with

experiments, gun load coil.

together The plasma

but at a significant The furnish onstrate be made rocket

in energy. plasma switching, generator The gun experiments and also systems schematic 18. demcan of The

a simulated

-launched of active complex

gun is isolated onator onators just coil activated are

the output clearly The

generator visible.

by a detThe det ring load

examples that

switch,

higtily

obscured.

vertical

circular

to work

reproducibly. used was

in front serves

of and to the left as the ballast transmission plates. packaging payload load

of the coaxial coil. just

the system initial bank.

actually source

is shown a small

in Fig. 16-kJ

It is connected ahead of the

energy

capacitor energy

to the parallel detonator switch The nents

line

A booster suitable output

generator for

increased energy

this

to a value inductance switched generation circuit was

the initial The

of the lower gun was

final

of the various was largely Final were

compothe retests out deFigure of

generator. rather this

plasma

into the rocket of Sandia before table, shots

into the circuit stage. Before

late time

in the output the generator load coil shown by

sponsibility the payload on the firing velopment

Laboratories. launch

actual

carried

completed All

by a ballast was

as were

all the preceding design.

in the figure.

switching

accomplished

leading

to the final

19

19 shows payload

the shot was

setup

for

one of these it easier gun was ) In this

tests.

The

inverted

to make plasma

to diagnose mounted test, in

the neon plasma. the aft section ations complete rocket, 20. were ment found were

(The

of the payload.

all operA

carried

out by telemetry including both

command. payload and in Fig.

assembly, is shown

mounted

on the launcher were carried

Three

experiments Details from 13. Use

out and all developmay be

successful. program, in Ref. 2.

of the generator to launch,

conception

of Transformers. so far,

In the genthe loads to be

erator

examples

considered fed

energized Further,

have been they

directly essentially

by the generators. low inductance

have been

Fig.

20.

Complete assembly oa the launch pad, showing the rocket and payload which houses a generator-powered plasma gun.

loads. cussed, terms. follows

Circuit have The from

resistances, been reason Eq. (5), treated for

although

briefly loss

dis -

as unavoidable low shows with

using

inductance that load the load

loads energy induc -

which inversely

multiplication tance.

varies

Generator resistance Eq. tance

currents

are

attenuated

when by

is in the circuit, (9) when of Eq.

as s hewn generally the generator The energy induc-

(6) and by Eq. has the form

(8).

absorbed can be

by the resistant calculated for

e R at generator this case from Eq.

burnout (9):

ER(r)

= ~712 Rdt o

Fig.

19.

A generator-powered rocket -borne plasma gun test shot on the firing table. Aside from the components indicated schematically in Fig. 18, the payload housed an on-board capacitor bank c barging supply, detonator timing and firing units, telemetry command receivers and transmitters to telemeter various diagnostic signatures.

Here cuit,

E.

is the initial

inductive

energy

in the circontext,

1/2 102( LO+ 2.+ L1).

In the present

20

ER(r) tance,

is an expression but there are

for

energy

lost

to the resisit would such be

situations resistive large

where loads

.- .

desirable cavities.

to energize Inthis case,

as laser would resisconFig. 21.

multiplications the maximum the following

be desirable.

Unfortunately, gain occurs under

.-.

tive

energy

L3
Schematic of circuit that shows how a generator is used to power a load L3 through transformer coupling to the primary generator load coil L1.

ditions:

Rr/Lo

0.5

(28a)

ER(r)M.X

=Eolog[(Lo+L1+

Ao)/(L1+~o)].

(28b)

primary, cuit

and the initial only

flux

in the secondary

cir-

is obtained

inductively. by Lo

If the generator time (from (now flux con-

The

logarithmic

dependence gains cases

on into where

the inductance
a resistance

ratio that to

inductance taken

is denoted

at switch

so restricts there directly are

energy very few

load

as t = O) the circuit reduce to:

equations

it is favorable by a generator.

servation)

energize These

a resistance have

examples

led to the rather generators loads.

wideare

(LG(t)

+ jo+

L1)I1

+ M12 = (Lo+

20+ L1)10

(29a)

spread suitable This

misconception only for for

that explosive low feed

powering the direct

inductance applications

MI1 22 M

+ (L2

+ L3)12

= MI

(29b)

is true

discus are used gener-

sed so far. to couple ators

However, to low

when

transformers loads,

inductance

into which it becomes with resistive far

LlL2

(29c)

operate

more a wide

efficiently, range

possible generEquations cally for (29a) and (29b) can be solved At generator algebraiburnout, current 12

to energize ators. loads

of impedances can include inductances

These as well

impedances as loads with

the currents.

greater Figure with L3 WhiC h

t = r and LG(~) becomes:

= O, the secondary

than the inductance 21 shows transformer

of the generator a generator to an inductance

itself. system load

schematically coupling

- MLOIO Burnout: 12 = (L2+ L3)(L1+ l.) - M2 (30)

is to be energized. The ator, 1 primary circuit consists of the generload coil L3

a source The

inductance, circuit

and primary consists

Generally Eq. given value thus found (29c)

speaking, is made

the coupling as large

coefficient For

k of a

secondary

of the load coil

as possible. there

to be energized L2 . The mutual by M.

and a transformer inductance Switching between is provided time

T.

of inductance

coupling

coefficient,

is an optimum current value and is

L1 and L2 is in the secon-

of L2 to get maximum energy to be: into L3. From

secondary Eq.

denoted dary

(30) this

circuit For

at arbitrary demonstration

purposes In this Prior 11 flows

the circuits case, flux

are is in For 12(MAX): L2 = l-kz 3 L, .

(31)

assumed conserved the second

to be nonresistive. in both circuit, circuits. current

to switching only in the

Under at burnout

this

condition

the current

and energy

partially loaded loaded

assembled assembly assembly in place cavity

(lower (upper

left),

the complete and fin~lY the

un-

become:

right),

on the firing in the primary

table, load

with coil

a trans (the cylin-

2 k 12 = - ~ lLo 10 [ L3(IO+L1)(20+L1k2L1)

1/2

former (32a) drical

. -.

in the slotted

brass

block). used

Figure in a shot trans and of kilo(up to

23 shows series,

one of the transformers and Figure after a shot. have 24 s hews

.-.

a recovered generators tens

k2 3=r (l.+

LL 212 100 L1)(~o+ L1 - k2LJ

former

Such small delivered loads,

transformers joules several

several resistive loads

into capacitive ohms),

loads

and inductive

(UP to 30 I.JH).

:<E
4 0

o. Ll+lo

L1 (32b) 2.+ Ll(l -k2) The initial generator load inductance about a few is O. 25 I.IH and the 25 nH. to a few Transformer tens of primary inductance varied from

inductances The given livered load initial energy by in the primary 1/2 LO102. The circuit energy is dehave micro henrys.

approximately

A larger delivered ohms. Aside

spiral nearly

generator

and transformer of

to E3 is thus seen inductance L3. As

to be independent it turns out,

of the

300 kJ to a resistance

the energy range (31) of still

several

maximum values allows

is not sharp

and a fairly given

wide

from

the wide

range

of impedances transformer managethe burden of

of L2 around delivery

the value

in Eq.

that can be energized coupling ment. voltage circuit is of great For

successfully, value

of substantial enough, k near

energies for very (32b)

to L3. tight shows trans that

in high-voltage applications,

Interestingly former more coupling, energy

high-voltage

1, Eq.

standoff instead

can be placed of the generator. potentials Few

upon the secondary With are adequate across a of

can be delivered L3 through

to a load

of arbitrary than

inductance would primary

transformer

coupling

insulation, secondary sufficiently Eq. (14))

megavolt impedances. high value to generate to date, internal

attainable have

be delivered coil itself.

by the generator This situation term

to the unloaded also requires

generators

of ~1 (see megavolt

the discussion potentials, could

that the source smaller latter ence, coupling

inductance coil

fio be considerably L1. In our This experithe tight

and none withpro-

than the load condition however, required Extension

inductance be met.

developed stand duce such them. 3.

to our knowledge, voltages even

can usually

if they

could

it is not possible to achieve this

to obtain objective. to account

Generator

Limitations.

Good

gener-

of the example leads to equations for solution.

for

cir-

ator

technology

is governed generators their use

by a number destroy

of factors. some sys shot Also,

cuit

resistances

that require Results show

Because terns or,

explosives

numerical that with other

techniques proper such choice

components at best, cases low

is limited rate

to single

of transformer

parameters

repetition are safety required to guard there use.

applications. to construct. must be

loads,

as capacitors effectively

and resistances, with generators. extracted Figure 22

in many Finally, taken power For tages

they

expensive

can also

be energized Figures 22,

additional over those

precautions for against must more

23 and 24 have been report to ARPA. 14 used left),

conventional hazards. advan-

from s hews

a Los

Alamos

sources

explosive be compelling

the unassembled strip

components (upper

in making the system

these

reasons

a two-sided

generator

to justify

their

22

. - ... . -+. ., .- -.
:L .-

.- . . . .
A,,

. .-. - ~ . =-
. . . .. -_

,-

_=-__<

.-

.-.
a. .* e. .-.

-+=a,

..

. . . _.
_Q

- .-. . ,.,. ~. ... , ------- -

. _

.._ .._ ---

.-

-. ...,. :.

. . . . .. ,______
-

... ..-.
-...,-:.

___
------

-1

~-

.- .

Fig.

22.

Views

of a double-ended s hews

single-stage

strip

generator with

in various

stages

of assembly. coil in place The ready lower for

right view testing.

the completed

generator

explosive

and secondary

-WmY-x-rf.;:

2X3

. ..-2 ..
--

,-

,.
.

.,.,.,.
.. . . .

, ,, .
.

.. _ ..,,.

,s, f,,..,.,
-.

;
.1.

!-2!----

+.1 ,: .. ,-. >,: .,,-.

--WY%MY = . + . *.
Fig. 23.. Secondary coil for double-ended, singlestage strip generator. No. 17 enarnelcoated copper wire is wound on a polyethylene form at about 2 turns /cm. Fig. 24. Secondary coil of the type s hewn in Fig. 23 recovered after firing and sectioned to show the winding penetration into the polyethylene coil form. The windings have penetrated over 9 mm into the core.

23

These the capability in time Further, units, allow Again, scales

advantages of producing not normally capacitor designs

do exist. enormous available

Among energy

them

is

forces,

both

during

introduction generation jets

of the initial stage; are

energy

bursts

and during or

the energy metallic

minimizing often formed

otherwise. storage modified to

eliminating

which structures

unlike generator

or inductive can be readily load

at contacts motion; generation outbreakdown

between flux

metal losses

in relative during voltage the

keeping stage; inside

to a minimum internal

them

to meet

changing

requirements. generator time

and preventing the generator. factors three are

unlike

capacitor and currents

discharges, have large

put voltages where they

regions For some Other generator

While

these

important are

in any of special re-

are this arise output

approximately

in phase.

application,

of them study

applications advantages of energy

can be a decisive from their

advantage.

significance strict These

in the present

in that they

extremely

high ratio

the classes factors effects, treated deal

of generators with flux

that can be used. high magnetic breakdown, and

to weight the type

and volume. of generator of load are required is

losses,

Ideally, governed gized. strongly

field are

and internal in the following a. Flux for

voltage

by the type required

to be enernot excessive is not too best because co-

sections. Flux losses are Pocketarising closure examples. loss by of

If the currents scale

Losses. some

and the time short, of their axial, suited required spiral

of the experiment are probably

easily

understood

mechanisms. paths

generators large

ing of flux by alternate from part internal breakdowns

conducting

inherently strip,

energy

multiplication. are well are scale of on

or premature region cause are

and spherical loads where

generators large

of the flux-compression in the circuit the magnitude flux is also

to power

currents time

Resistances is reducing recoverable layers

some

flux

but where Plate large faster systems fields are

the experimental generators currents time are are

of current trapped

generated.

Un-

not too short. carrying very

capable

in the conducting

and can operate Cylindrical when If they have very

of the generator A reasonably

components. good accounting of these provided exceed losses the

substantially compression magnetic to drive powering

scales. used

fluxintense

can be made current Helical even ing.

for

most does

generators, not greatly are

required. they

can be used of scales.

density generators they

1 MA/cm. lossy, pocketto fit

transformers, external Economic loads factors Strip

the capability shorter time

usually are thought

anomalously of flux forced

on still also

when When

to be free are

play

a role

in generin-

theoretical

predictions

ator

selection.

generators

are

relatively

experimental resistance, usually think ture far part

data by adjustment the resistances higher of this

of the generator are for. We

expensive components Plate require the rest cation a spiral explosive

because

the fabrication

of both are

the metal simple. systems but fabriof

so calculated

and the explosive and cylindrical explosive

system

than can be accounted difficulty can be traced

generators expensive

implosion

to arma-

initiation

s yst ems,

performance. for

A comparison a spiral

of the armature generator of Figs. cases are in the essencuris can

of the explosive are relatively

system

and the metal The helical

requirements be made 2 and 7. similar.

and coaxial

simple. is expensive is simple. of other These

section

by comparing The armature cases

the upper dynamics generator

sketches in both currents However, flux

generator system A number

to fabricate

but the

In both axially

technical include: terms;

factors

must

carried spiral

by the armature. the initial arising to the flux

also

be considered. or loss motion

minimizing un-

configurations by axial fields

is given

source wanted

inductance of system

minimizing

tially rents,

from

the helical

components

by magnetic

as opposed

in the coaxial

24

generator circular

which magnetic

arises fields. therefore

from Flux

purely

tangential

or in the of

diameters spaced are ably

are widely,

large,

coil

turns

are

wide

and also factors are reasonper-

compression generation

theoretical

multiplication densities Lossless

,
.9

spiral circular

generator eddy field

requires

not too large, small (less

and current than

currents buildup

around within

the armature the space

for the account

1 MA /cm).

magnetic spiral for

between

formance extreme, Ordinarily

is obtained no energy

when a = 1 and, gain results

at the other

and helix.

One explanation large losses

thatwould

when u ~ O. 5. good, O. 75

the relatively

in spiral were axial

generators axial these for only the minor

an a of 0.85

is exceptionally than

is as follows: cracking might

If the armature significant

to suffer strains,

to O. 80 is average, poor, when but these the initial

and less

O. 7 is rather considerably For 5000,

or other

values

can be modified ratio is large. ratio

lead

to anomalously eddy currents,

high resistance but would to axial have

inductance

tangential influence

example, even with

if the initial an a as low of 30,

inductance

were

on the resistance In general,

current customary

flow. to by a losses o! is

as O. 70, there a value far from

is an energy the lossless

it has become generator accounts The

multiplication ratio

characterize figure

helical 6

performance for all flux of merit

of 5000 but still b. High current

impressive. Magnetic densities Field Effects. As of 1

of merit,

which way.

in an approximate defined by:

figure

already

stated,

in excess

MA /cm frequently ator nitude (33) performance. generate

result

in degradation densities fields

of generof this magof

Current megagauss More when

at the surface a field density interact of 47r/10 is 1 with the

the conductor. M(3 is generated

precisely, the current fields They

Here

(l/Io)eW

is the maximum and (1/ Io)th compression.

observed

experimenratio

MA/cm. conductor to pressure conductor. sure forces

These

magnetic

tal current under initial perfect

ratio, flux

is the predicted Lo

in two ways. B2 /8r, The

subject deposit

the conductor energy in the

is the total circuit

and they

circuit

inductance,

and L the final

necessity

to counteract earlier.

the presGenerally fields in exconof

inductance. The follows from actual Eq. energy (33): multiplication ratio also

has been

discussed

speaking, cess fined

it is impossible megagauss

to generate in volumes

of a few only have

that

are

inertially. so far been

Axial

fields

in excess only

1 5

L12

E =. O

~ LO102

Lo () L-

a-l (34)

3 MG

produced

in systems

that are

confined

by explosives, system. higher

as in the cylindriEven in this width case. must

cal flux-compression as peak fields get

the field

pulse

Strictly

speaking,

values

of a are

determined value

only of a is performHow -

get

narrower. will

Presumably, b e capable

inertial

confinement larger peak

at burnout not expected ante ever,

conditions,

and a constant

s yst ems fields

of sustaining if means

to characterize its entire guide

the generator generation to generator that Eq. Our period.

than presently

achieved

can be coils in

throughout a qualitative

developed shorter

to get the energy times. Furth, Levine, expression

into the load

performance (33) holds

can be obtained throughout s hews than that

by assuming

and Waniek for the rise

15

deduced in surface

an

the generation higher values

period.

experience greater

approximate temperature ment. They

of CY(occasionally only when

of a conductor showed

in a high field

environrise was

O. 9) are

experienced

the generator

that the temperature

25

essentially field

independent

of the time

to reach shape.

peak Within -160

but did depend

upon the pulse derivation, a sinusoidal by:

the limitations rise of most peak

of this metals

the temperature field pulse to 0 -90

for

the first

is given

AT

(K)

3000B2;

B in megagauss.

(35) a & .0

According and copper atures

to this should

expression, reach surface

metals

such

as brass

-40 -25

melting

temper-

0 .= x

at fields

in the neighborhood fields more generally

of O. 6 MG. rise rapidly

Generator-produced near peak and are

favorable regard.

than capacitor Recovered

-10
1- H

bank-produced brass coils that

fields

in this

have been in excess whereas subjected banks.

subjected of O. 8 MG such signs

to generatorhave are shown quite 0.2 but no

I I ! 1 1 I 1

produced signs

fields

of melting, in coils

0.3

0.4

0.s

0.6
of Flux

0.7

0,8

0.9

1.0

apparent powered

to similar

fields

Fraction

Trapped

by capacitor Figure

25 is a graph peak magnetic plate

of flux-trapping field. generator Initial

effiflux was in

Fig.

25.

ciency supplied turn, load

versus

Variation function Magnetic

of flux-trapping efficiency as a of peak load-coil magnetic field. pressures, in kilobars, exerted are indicated for selected

to a one-sided the flux The varied peak into

which,

by the fields field values.

drove coil.

a thick-walled fields

cylindrical obtained (Fig. It should obtained own time trapping generator were used. by using be emphasized a specific that the data were type with its

magnetic

25) were The

by changing factor

the load-coil

diameter. was coil

flux-trapping by dividing initial peak

plotted flux

on the graph in the load

generator

obtained

the final flux field

characteristics, efficiency with curve

and that a different might field be expected buildup time

fluxif a history curve

by the total system. accurate probably 800 kG, become pressure beside

in the generator values plotted

load-coil are probably ratios are

The within

a different inflection

a percent less are above

or two, accurate. less 1.5 than MG.

the flux For

The

in the efficiency arises because similar

at about somewhat flux losses fields below melting. 20Y0, but they sion substantial The 25 kb, of Fig. in obtaining 25 were crossfield values. by magnetic this B2/8m at 800 kG is about the magnetic The load-coil field ordinates used as noted 25. same

800 kG possibly If this

of surface

is the case, curves for field would

flux-compresup to about lengths

efficiency field

be expected of different

pulses

but similar fluxes efficiencies the former flux-compression tained by multiplying areas of Fig. coil obshow, ally The arises wire. the original

shapes. environments adversely. also Figures coil affect t rans -

High field operation respectively, fabricated gross from When

23 and 24 as origina shot.

a transformer

sectional The

by the peak sections for Thus

midplane were where

and as it appeared radial motion

following

-:

cof.1 cross forces

probably cases

enlarged peak

inward ~ x ~

of the windings acting upon the the

magnetic were fields 26

those

fields

magnetic

forces

higher.

the loss

in efficiency exaggerated.

at higher

the magnetic

fields

surrounding

is probably

somewhat

wire also

are

high (usually evidence

greater of melting. motion

than 750 kG) the wire

The be reduced

primary

coil

magnetic the volume

drive

fields

can

shows

by increasing

of the primary when the pri-

.*

,
well,

When it is usually

the radial accompanied can lead

of the wire

is large as be-

coil. mary coils ibility

An additional coil is enlarged

advantage because larger,

occurs

by axial to voltage

displacements breakdown

the transformer allowing more flexand beHowever, is usually and this, drive

and these turna.

can also

be made

.s.

tween

Such breakdowns action. motion still Even

usually

terminate the coupcoil.

in the construction it possible the transformer available especially sets required. The effect lower for for

of the transformer tighter coupling coil. coil

transformer radial ling coil

without

breakdown,

making tween

to obtain

results

in decreased load

and primary the primary portable

of the transformer The radial

to the primary

the space limited, in turn, and fields

displacements

of the windings --the time

systems,

are

controlled

by a number

of factors

limits

on the magnetic

history primary ical

and magnitudes drive field,

of the extracted the mass density

current

and mechanand the transdesign former pulses formers fields

of eddy-current is not fully

heating

of trans For field trans -

properties

of the transformer of the substrate is wound. factors With

windings, upon which

windings of only have

understood. duration, with

the properties former some coil

a few

microseconds successfully MG. This scale

proper

system

operated

drive can

of these

can be controlled The displacement over time

to minimize is calculated on

as high as 1.2 when

limit

probably

the displacements. by a double the windings, occurs being manner time other for integration

be extended ed. For

the time pulse are

is further cliff iculties at lower

shortenwith field

of the forces

longer

durations, experienced

and it is clear faster risetirne Control

that less pulses,

displacement factors in this since the by

the transformers values. er, peak are For pulse

other

risetimes frequently 800 kG. this

around observed When

10 LM or longwhen the

the same.

of displacement however,

difficulties fields

are

is not always

possible,

exceed lower

the peak

fields does not

scale

of the system

is usually

determined

somewhat

type

of problem

factors. The wire size of the windings are can be varied, as the

generally We will drive exceed time fail

occur. conclude that transformers with copper the

but upper primary

size

limits

set by such factors

because pulses

of eddy-current are For long

heating

when fields with

load-coil

volume

into whit h the transformgood coupling to the reinade -

field

and the peak operation tena

er is to be placed, primary, quired obtaining to produce

maintaining the correct the appropriate

800 kG. pulses

successful than some factor,

long

number

of turna

(greater

of micropeaks

transformer separations breakdown.

seconds) should

as a safety not exceed c.

drive

field

ductance,

and maintaining turn-to-turn

winding voltage

750 kG. Lnternal Voltage Limitations. voltage during breakthe explo-

quat e to prevent The wire material

can be varied,

but in practice of avail-

Prevention downs sive are

of internal

generator problem

copper ability,

is most ease Much

frequently

used because and low given

can be a difficult stage. When with

of fabrication, attention

resistance. to the subsuch flex-

possible, solid various

internal

components such as poly-

has been

insulated

dielectrics epoxies,

strate

material.

Reasonably

tough which

materials retain some

ethylene, They will

Mylar,

and Silastic. or they exc es -

as Teflon ibility, such

and polyethylene, have proven superior

cannot reduce

be made the active

too thick, generation

however, volume

to harder and loaded

materials epoxies.

as micarta,

ceramics,

s iv el y.

27

Metallic form These conducting jets

jets

formed which

during lead

this

stage

can

Here

E.

and 10 designate of the circuit, and current

the initial while

energy

and

paths

to breakdowns. of moving metal and ex-

current energy figure it may

E ~ and ~

represent The although (L. if these

,&

can arise and from

at contact defects

points

in the load

at burnout. around O. 8,

conductors plosive

in both

of merit be higher are

a is typically if ideal

q 

components. The gas between armature and stator in the hundredto temperAir is than are is

multiplication small,

ratios

+ L1)/L1 ratios are As

relatively

and smaller

often kilobar atures more some

compressed range, where

to pressures

large. a specific in a load example, suppose 109 J are to

and can be shock-heated it is appreciably to ionization ionized. from this

be deposited energy

L1 of 10 pH and the initial is E. = 107 J. inductance idea Then for a

susceptible other gases.

cause

in the system

Consequently, with SF6, and in some

generators various cases

= 0.8 the initial have

generator

Lo would

frequently carbons helium.

pressurized or Freons,

hydroor

to be 21 000 PH. a generator of 10-m radius length spiral

Some

of the magnitude from radius about Eq. (15a).

hydrogen

of such

can be obtained length, spiral

A generator Spiral generators are more susceptible to and armature over the

of 5 m, 60 turns of

of 3 m requires to have

internal

breakdown

than other possibility backed

generators

because breakexperi-

10-m

an inductance should

of the additional down. ence, should ceivably, might would

of turn-to-turn by considerable in spiral kilovolts.

21 000 IAH. increase output

The

windings

gradually

Our feeling, is that not far for internal exceed large

in width, to handle Even the last from the

reaching 14. 1 MA large alone,

at least required current including

14 cm at the to energize density, 1

voltages a hundred enough

generators Con-

the load. MA /cm, spacing

at this turn

generators but such

the limit a voltage

its insulation require With about a

be extended entail We

to 500 kV, risk.

the adjacent winding

turn, length

would

considerable have mentioned (across

30 cm of the total developed is the voltchemical velocity, length sion explosive such

of 10 m. low

that the voltage armature) of ~G (see

of relatively m/ms, ms.

detonation time for a

in a generator given

the moving value The

as 7.5

the burn The

by the instantaneous of Eq. (13)).

of 10 m is 1.33 time required for

armature motion

exPan-

discussion age makes energies ting times

presence

of this large

a radial couple

of 2 m could or so, time a of

it almost to large

impossible

to supply in reasonable feed get

be as long giving about burn ator

as another

of milliseconds burnout out,

inductances or series 3. To

generasuch for

a reasonable 4 ms, time

total

generator As it turns

in a direct

situation some feeling

maximum. length

even

as that sketched the armature generator by direct other for

in Fig.

of this

results

in internal which We

generin our can

voltage

developed, inductance L1.

we consider Lo delivering

a energy

voltages is still

greater

than 500 000 V, value. voltage (36)

of initial feed

opinion show

an unacceptable generator that Eqs.

to a load such

Resistive pocketing, of merit

losses are

and
~,

that the internal

exceeds are time. valid The

losses,

as flux

accounted

500 000 V by assuming during current the entire

through

use

of the figure

coefficient

generator by:

operating

according

to Eqs.

(33) and (34):

is then given

(37)

28

We generator IVOI .

seek whose

the inductance maximum voltage

time

behavior voltage

of a is system, that

Under

these

kinds

of conditions directly

we conclude into a load

armature drives

109 J cannot We

be generated

Since

this

the entire L1 will

of 10 PH. does appear

indicate

in the next with use

section

that this

.-

the time when

required

to energize develops generation

be shortest voltage we have:

feasible

of transformer

the generator its entire

this time.

limiting Thus

coupling. E. Energizing From Eq. through (40) Transformers that the interdepends

>-

during

it can be seen across flux This

~GI

dL = 10 -# ()

LO+L1 LG+ L1

a = -Vo. (38)

nal voltage

developed

the armature divided expression In general, and the armature However,

upon the initial ator time: for

generator

by the generwas de-

VCX(LoIo)/T. a specific

The

solution

to this

equation

becomes:

rived ation ages (39) erally

example.

the situvolt-

is more vary true

complicated generation. armature fluxes short.

during that

it is gengreater when

voltages are The

are

the initial eration The side generator of this burnout equation time T occurs to L when the right

generator are

larger

and the genflux o

times

can be written = 1/2 LO102,

initial generator 1/2 , where E as LOIO (2 EOLO) generator energy.

reduces

the initial

The

1 r:

armature

voltage 112,T.

expression

then becomes

v
(LO+ T = (1 -a) L1)IO V. ~-(Z%)lw] ~ (,0,

cc (2 EOLO) The

problem

of delivering feed was it was

109 J to a load in the pre that a spiral when However, reasonable was unmanthe iniwhen

of 10 #H by direct vious se~tion,

considered concluded required 10 MJ. within

where

The

initial

generator

inductance energy

for

= O. 8 was The these that the initial

generator tial

of 21 000 pH was energy time was was

21 000 pH and the initial current values burnout voltage 10 is thus about are put into Eq. must

10 MJ. When

generator

31 000 A. (40), 6.5

the generation limits, ageable. enormous

kept

it can be seen ms,

the resulting This initial

armature

voltage in light with

time

exceed

if the armature

is ~ot surprising flux associated 10 MJ. We

of the

is not to exceed A generator with

500 kV. inductance be difficult forms worse. to limit too characteristics to construct. are used (in

an inductance in this a primary to the .

of 21 000 gH storing section load coil the use directly. through coil.

consider

as given When Eq.

by Eq.

(39) would

of a generator Energy

to power ia then

more (37))

realistic

generator are

delivered

the implications times are

Still

longer

10-I.I H load primary ple, initial henrys 10 MJ,

transformer It will

coupling

to the

generation voltages spiral

required a value

the internal high for a

load

be shown

that, in princiwhen the

to 500 kll, generator.

already gains

109 J can be delivered generator and that, inductance with

to the load is only

Some

small energy just

can be made

a few

microenergy are quite of

by increasing circuit. tial energy

the initial

in the generator if the inithe 5.2

an initial voltages

generator developed

In the example E. burn were time

considered,

the armature

20 MJ instead could

of 10 MJ, to about still

manageable. We circuits gized consider the basic in Fig. 21. transformer The load coupled to be enerWe take

generator ms while tained

be reduced would

the armature

voltage

be main-

sketched is L3, with

at 500 kV.

an inductance

of 10 PH.

29

a generator a primary allow pointed

LG with load coil

initial

inductance

of 2.0 pH and and As to

The

solution

to this

equation

is:

of O. 002-v H inductance of 10 = O. 0005 gH.

a source

inductance

LG(t)

+ L1

= (Lo+

L1)

exp [ -V&/Io(Lo+

L1)l

(43a)

out in Sec.

II. D. 2, the energy selecting coil. (31). The

delivered L2,

-.

L3 is optimized ductance value

by properly

the inV..

10( LO+ L1 ) T (43b) 10g (Lo:?)

of the transformer by Eq. k = O. 8, PH.

optimum

of L2 is given coefficient L 2

If we set the we consider in Sec. the optiAt t = o, the initial burnout ator time generator inductance (43b) is Lo; at

coupling reasonable, U. D. 2, mum

a value As

= 20.5 large

mentioned of L2 from

rather

deviations

T is given is zero.

by Eq.
Again,

and the genervolt-

value

do not seriously to L3.

reduce

the energy

inductance with

the armature flux

delivered

age varies delivered (32b). to L3 at generator For an initial delivered this generto versely

the initial time.

generator For current With this

and inL1 for burn the 25

The burnout ator

energy

with

the burn The

example,

is given E. 2.1

by Eq.

= O. 00086 PH.

initial MA.

10 required a reasonable across

energy,

= 10 MJ, x 109 J. losses)

the energy Thus, more for

107 J in 2 #H is 3.16 time of 2 ms,

L3 becomes system energy to verify

idealized

the voltage by Eq.

generated (43b)

(no resistive has been

than the required It remains voltage is

armature, kV .

as given

is only

about

delivered

to the load. armature

that the generator

manageable. Equations the two 12 from circuits these (29a)and(29b) sketched equations in Fig. are the solutions for

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We assistance K. J. are privileged M. M. to acknowledge D. R. W. J. the

21.

By eliminating expression for

of R. R.

Boicourt, Joppa, B.

Erickson, and, are also

the resulting

Ewing,

Livingston We

11 becomes:

in particular, grateful Laboratory (4 la) Research Foreign for

that support (Kirtland

of D. from

Thomson. Force

the Air

Weapons Advanced Force

AFB), Agency, Division Materiel

the Defense the U. S. Air

Projects Technology S. Army

(Wright-Patterson) Command, MICOM

where 2 , 1 =L1-L+L. k 1L2 23 (41b)

and the U. (Huntsville).

REFERENCES 1. H. Knoepfel, North-Holland F. p. 3. Herlach, 341 (1968). B. Garn, and R. S. of Very High Magnetic J. App. Phys. 31 $ . Pulsed (1970). Prog. High Magnetic Fields,

As with a time

in Sec.

IL D. 3. c,

we look

for

a generator 2. in Phys. , XXXI, Part 1,

dependence voltage - V.

such that the maximum is generated generation across time: the arma-

allowable ture

throughout

the entire

~GI

dLG = ~

+L1 , = -Vo. (42)

C. M. Fowler, W. Production Caird, Fields by Implosion, 588-594 (1960).

10 LO+L () G1

30

4.

D. R. Cummings and M. J. Morley in Proc. Conf. on Megagauss Magnetic Field Generation by Explosives and R elated Experiments, H. Knoepfel and F. Herlach, Eds. (Euratom, 1966), p. 451.

10.

R. A. Damerow et al, Use of Explosive Generators to Power the O- inch, P in Proc. Symp. on Engineering Problems of Fusion Research, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory report LA-4250 (January 1970), Paper DI-8. R. S. Caird et al. , Payload Development for a High Altitude Plasma Injection Experiment (U), Los Alamos Scientific Labortory report LA-4302-MS (Official Use Only) (February 1970). et al. , Experiments Generator Sov. Phys. ~, with

A. D. Sakharov, Magnetoimplosive Generators, Sov. Phys. Uspekhi (English Translation) ~, 294-299 (1966). J. W. Shearer Magnetic-Field J. App. Phys. et al. , Explosive-Driven Compression Generators, 39 ~ and M. 2102-2116 (1968).

11.

12.

E.

I. Bichenkov

7.

E.

C.

Cnare

Cowan,

Pulsed

Power

from Explosive Generators, in Proc. Symp. Engineering Problems of Fusion R es earth, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory report LA-4250 (January 1970), Paper DI-7. 8. F. E. Terman in Radio 1943), Engineers p. 55. Handbook

an Explosive-Magnetic oratory Conditions, (English 13. Translation)

in Lab Doklady (1969).

1256-1257

C. M. Fowler et al. , LASL Group M-6 The Birdseed Program, Summary Report. Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory report LA-5141-MS (January 1973). Technical Scientific (1972). Report to ARPA, Los Akamos Laboratory internal document

(McGraw-Hill, 9.

14.

D. B. Thomson et al. , An Explosive Generator-Powered O-Pinch, in Proc. APS Topical Conf. on Pulsed High-Density Plasmas, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory report LA-3770 (September 1967), Paper H-3.

15.

H. P. Furth, M. A. Waniek, Production Transient Instrum.

Magnetic Z&3, 949-958

Levine, and R. W. and Use of High Sci. Fields. II, Rev. (1957).

31