Experimental study of compact explosive-driven shock wave ferroelectric generators

Summary form only given. The design of shock wave ferroelectric generators driven by high explosives is presented and experimental data are discussed. The active elements are lead zirconium titanate (PZT) disks with diameter D=25 mm and thickness L=2.5 mm, and PZT cylinders with D=21 mm and L=25 mm. The high explosive charge was varied from 4.2 g to 30 g. Two different ways to initiate shock waves in the active elements were used: explosively driven flyer plates and direct action of high explosives. The data are presented on the maximum power released in the resistive load and on the effect of the load inductance and the load capacitance on the amplitude of the pulse produced. The experimental results are discussed in comparison to numerical simulation with the commercial circuit simulator PSPICE. An analysis is given of the specific features of pulse generation in a system like this.