Optimized Rotary Flux Compressors for Powering Laser Flashlamps
Abstract
Very large rotary flux compressors provide one means to power large laser systems in the future. These machines are the only devices that have the demonstrated ability to convert rotating inertial energy into high power, millisecond electrical pulses. We have studied the active rotary flux compressor (ARFC) with a code developed by Eimerl and Goodwin at LLNL from work originated at UT, Austin. The purpose was to evaluate the cost effectiveness of the ARFC's for use in powering flashlamps that pump Nd-glass laser amplifiers. In general, the larger the machine, the less its specific cost (i.e., cents per joule, or dollars per kilowatt). Because of this, emphasis was placed upon large-size machines. Size limitations do exist, however. For example, in very large drum-type ARFC's the mass may scale nearly as d3 (where d is the rotor diameter), but the maximum power output scales as d2, because power is taken out as shear .over the rotor surface area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA638244
Entities
People
- B. Carder
- R. Lundberg
Organizations
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory