Design Study for an AURORA Modification Leading to a 100-Terawatt Nuclear Weapon Radiation Simulator.
Abstract
The AURORA machine can be converted to provide beam power outputs near the 10 to the 14th power-W power level into low impedance loads. The proposed conversion is based on a novel approach to pulse power intensification. The approach can be adapted to AURORA in differing configurations. A device of toroidal geometry utilizes the fast pulse charge capability of the AURORA generator to inject a traveling electromagnetic wave into a toroidal oil-filled coaxial line. From the point of injection, electromagnetic waves are propagated along the axis of the torus in opposite directions and at some time t will meet each other at the end of the torus diametrically opposite the injection point. As the electromagnetic waves overlap, that portion of their energy stored in the magnetic field will be transformed into elastrostatic energy, and the voltage in this region will double. At some optimum preselected time t1, where t1 > t, the toroidal line is then switched circumferentially into an oil-insulated three-electrode parallel-plate transmission line to the diode load. A transmission-line model for the complete system has been developed and analyzed by computer to determine energy transfer efficiencies and power inputs into a matched ohmic load. It has been determined that peak power levels of 90 TW are achievable in a pulse of 30 ns full width at half maximum. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA071339
Entities
People
- Alexander G. Stewart
- George A. Huttlin
Organizations
- Harry Diamond Laboratories