Infant Mortality Testing of High Energy-Density Capacitors Used on Nova
Abstract
Nova is a solid state large laser for inertial confinement fusion research. Its flashlamps are driven by a 60 MJ capacitor bank. Part of this bank is being built with high energy-density capacitors, 52 micro F, 22 KV, 12.5 KJ. A total of 2,645 of these capacitors have been purchased from two manufacturers. Each capacitor was infant mortality tested. The first test consisted of a high-potential test, bushing-to-case, since these capacitors have dual bushings. Then the capacitors were discharged 500 times with circuit conditions approximating the capacitors normal flashlamp load. Failure of either of these tests or if the capacitor was leaking was cause for rejection. The test results were remarkably good. Less than 0.5 percent failed the pulsed-discharge test and less than 2.5 percent were rejected overall. In addition, by testing each unit, LLNL was able to identify two systematic deficiencies in the manufacturing process. Both of these problems were easily remedied, but if they had gone undetected, a major problem in checking out the Nova bank would have ensued.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA638262
Entities
People
- B. T. Merritt
- K. Whitham
Organizations
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory