Pulsed Power to Energize Explosive Replacements

Summary form only given. We have developed an electrically-activated replacement for explosives called Metafexreg (for metal-fueled explosive replacement) that is inert until activated and twice as energetic as conventional explosives such as RDX. Because it is inert until activated (a moment before use), it offers profound logistics advantages over conventional explosives. Activation of Metafex requires a significant, short-duration electrical pulse. We foresee significant commercial interest in the material that will stimulate a requirement for large numbers of reusable, robust pulsed power systems (PPS´s) for activating it. An example of the requirements for a PPS comes from the evaluation of the needs for activating a safe initiator for use in oil wells. For this application, a PPS operating at 18 kV, with a capacitance of 18 muF and a pulse rise time of approximately 2 mus gave us reliable performance. In addition, the PPS must operate reliably for several hours at 400 degF and must fit within a pipe no larger than three inches in diameter. To achieve these values, we will require capacitors, switches, and connections with low inductance, small diameters, and low thermal sensitivity. We plan to describe PPS requirements not only for initiators but also for other applications of Metafex