Design and development of a novel flux compression generator for landmine detection applications

Abstract

The design and development of a novel magnetic flux compressor to generate high power, ground penetrating radar signals is presented and discussed. The high power radar signals are used to detect surface and subsurface landmines. The magnetic flux compressor is housed with other circuitry in a medium caliber (i.e., 30 mm) high-speed projectile to form a compact, kinetic-to-electrical energy converter. The kinetic energy of the high-speed projectile is the flux compressor's primary power source. Flux compressor seed current is externally supplied from a small onboard battery. Computer models are presented that predict the performance of the flux compressor and the force, acceleration, and velocity parameters experienced by the projectile during launch and impact. Generator design guidelines, based on the predictions of the computer model, are presented and discussed. The experimental facility used to launch the projectile to high velocity and test the magnetic flux compression projectile is also discussed. In this facility, a light-gas (i.e., helium) gun accelerates 50 gram (nominal) projectiles to velocities approaching 1000 meters per second. The experimentally measured flux compressor current is compared to that predicted by computer models. Other applications for the flux compression projectile are discussed and include geological surveying, remote sensing, and mining.