A Fabrication Method for a Mid-Sized, High-Energy-Density, Flux Compression Generator

Performance reproducibility is a necessity when considering sources for single-shot, high-voltage applications. Helical flux compression generators (HFCGs) are attractive for a variety of single-shot applications and are capable of high energy amplification that can be used in conjunction with other pulse-shaping techniques such as an exploding wire fuse for achieving high output voltages [1,2]. Small scale HFCGs (with active volumes on the order of ~100-200 cm³), however, are known to perform unreliably from shot to shot [3] and can lose as much as 80% of the flux available in the system based on previous experience with small to mid-sized HFCGs [4]. The performance variation is often attributed to erratic armature expansion behavior and/or fabrication methods and tolerances [3, 4]. As the compressible volume increases, HFCGs are known to conserve more flux and perform more reliably [2]. A fabrication method is presented for a midsized (with active volumes on the order of ~300-400 cm³) dual-stage HFCG that aims to improve the reproducibility in shot to shot performance with the goal of increasing the appeal for use of HFCGs in single-shot pulsed-power applications. Results of experiments with inductive loads of ~3 muH are discussed.