Explosive flux compression generators at LLNL

Abstract

At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory we have developed a coupled helical-coaxial FCG device called the Full Function Test (FFT). This device was used to deliver 98 MA of current and 66 MJ of energy to an inductive load. The successful testing of the FFT represented the culmination of an effort to establish a high-energy pulsed power program that would greatly exceed the performance of capacitor bank facilities. Using the modeling, design, and experimental capabilities developed for the FFT, we have developed a new generator, the Mini-G. Based upon a half-scaling of the FFT device, the Mini-G is a coupled helical-coaxial FCG capable of delivering up to 60 MA of current and 8 MJ of energy. We will describe the design of this generator which involved the use of simulation codes as well as innovative pulsed power techniques to obtain a compact, optimized device.