Compact Transformer Drive for High-Current Applications

The approach called precision high energy-density liner implosion experiment (PHELIX) provides a technique to allow research on high energy-density phenomena associated with liner implosions in a scaled-down system suitable for use with proton radiography. It has been noted that the ratio of load current to bank energy is almost an order of magnitude higher using the PHELIX transformer technique than achievable with direct drive from high-energy capacitor banks. This increase in current per stored-joule offers the opportunity for using similar transformer arrangements for other applications apart from imploding liners. These potential applications include rail-guns and the dense plasma focus. Results from the dimensionless analyses previously used successfully to design PHELIX will be described for these new applications and design limitations will be discussed.