Design Considerations for 100 MJ Class Flux Compression Pulse Power Systems
Abstract
With the cost of high performance, capacitor-discharge pulse power systems continuing around $1-2 per joule and with energy requirements for experiments such as fast compression of magnetized plasmas ranging to 100 MJ and beyond, the need for economical, super-energy pulse power systems is being recognized. Explosively powered flux compressors, capable of delivering 100 MJ to a plasma physics experiment, can be designed, fabricated, and fielded at costs of less than $0.01/ J per shot. While less economical than laboratory pulsed power systems, if system life exceeds a few hundred full-energy shots, explosive pulse power techniques allow initial experiments to be performed quickly and economically at energies that are prohibitively costly, and hence unavailable, using conventional techniques. A variety of configurations for flux compressors suitable for 100-MJ operation can be considered. Among these, the disk configuration, pioneered by researchers at the All Russian Institute of Experimental Physics (VNIIEF, Arzamas-16, Russia) has demonstrated both high current and high energy capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA639789
Entities
People
- Irvin R. Lindemuth
- Robert E. Reinovsky
Organizations
- Los Alamos National Laboratory