Reliability and Lifetime Testing of the Darht Second Axis Induction Cells

Abstract

The Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamics Test (DARHT) facility will employ two perpendicular electron linear induction accelerators to produce intense, bremsstrahlung X-ray pulses for flash radiography. The second axis, DARHT II, features a 3 MeV injector and a 15 MeV, 2 kA, 1.5 mus accelerator consisting of 74 induction cells and drivers. High reliability and lifetime of the induction cells are major requirements because of the cost of execution of hydro tests and because the time and effort to remove and refurbish a failed cell is considerable. Research and development efforts have identified problems in the original cell design and means to upgrade the design, performance, and reliability of the linear induction cells. Physical changes in the cell oil region, the cell vacuum region, and the cell drivers, together with different operational and maintenance procedures, have been implemented in six prototype units. This paper addresses the acceptance criteria and acceptance tests applied to the prototype accelerator cells. These tests validate the upgraded cell design and demonstrate that it meets the essential electrical and reliability requirements prior to committing to refurbishment of the full ensemble of DARHT II cells. The prototype acceptance test results are presented and discussed in terms of the confidence level in which the required cell lifetime and reliability are met by the upgraded design and modified operation and maintenance procedures.