PRS Projections for DECADE
Abstract
Two approaches are described for predicting and evaluating the potential range of PRS performance on DECADE. On the one hand, the DECADE generator is represented as a lumped electrical circuit coupled to an inductive PRS load using slug model dynamics for the load. The nonlinearly coupled circuit equations determine the energy transfer from the Marx bank to the load as a function of the circuit parameters, enabling one to predict the efficiency for converting Marx bank energy into load kinetic energy. Newly experimentally confirmed scaling relations then allow one to predict the conversion fraction of this kinetic energy into K-shell x-rays. Both aluminum and titanium should be able to generate in excess of 100 kJ/cm of K-shell radiation based on the DECADE circuit model used in this report. On the other hand, power flow from the Marx generator to the load is taken as a given, and a number of specific issues related to PRS load dynamics are calculated using detailed (non-slug) models of the load MHD dynamics. A number of such issues are discussed. They need to be addressed because of their potential to either degrade or enhance the load yield performance predicted on the basis of kinetic energy and x-ray scaling laws alone. These issues also deal with matters of x-ray simulation fidelity that will be an important part of DECADE's function. It is argued that the capability to carry out aluminum radiative collapse experiments on DECADE is significantly greater than on existing simulators, and that these experiments may offer a range of opportunity for improving simulation fidelity beyond that offered by kinetic energy scaling alone. This represents a compelling reason for giving DECADE a PRS capability. K-shell radiation emission, K-shell yield scaling, PRS load dynamics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 25, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA279215
Entities
People
- J. L. Giuliani Jr.
- J. W. Thornhill
- Jack F. Davis
- K. G. Whitney
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory