Shock Wave Generators

Flux compression generators (FCGs) are high-energy power supplies that are capable of delivering joules to megajoules to loads. There are different types of generators, where each type has its advantages and disadvantages. One possible significant disadvantage of all FCGs is high G-force survivability. To address this issue, a new FCG design is being developed. This new generator, called a Shock Wave Generator (SWG), replaces the standard air filled armature with a powder or a solid, which under shock pressures transitions from a dielectric to a metallic state. This moving metallic shock front is used to convert the chemical energy of high explosives into electrical energy. In this paper, we will report on recent experimental studies of these generators. See also ADM002371. 2013 IEEE Pulsed Power Conference, Digest of Technical Papers 1976-2013, and Abstracts of the 2013 IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science. IEEE International Pulsed Power Conference (19th). Held in San Francisco, CA on 16-21 June 2013., The original document contains color images.