DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND TESTING OF EXPLOSIVE-DRIVEN HELICAL GENERATORS

This paper describes the development of a very efficient computer mode l for the design and performance prediction of explosive-driven helica l generators. The model is based on simple theoretical considerations. Validation of the model is achieved by comparing the theoretical and measured performances of existing both high- and low-energy generators . It is shown that, although the basic model predicts accurately the l oad current history of high-energy generators, a somewhat more elabora te model is needed for low-energy devices. The model has been used in the design of a simple 1 MJ generator with an eight-section stator coi l, intended for use as a current source in an investigation of high-cu rrent conditioning systems. A description is given of the construction and testing of this device. Experimental results are in accordance wi th predictions from the design code and establish that, when primed wi th 40 kJ at 50 kA from a capacitor bank and using 15 kg of high explos ive, the generator is capable of delivering an output of 1 MJ at 7 MA to a coaxial load.