Impact of Time-Varying Loads on the Programmable Pulsed Power Driver Called Genesis

Abstract

The success of dynamic materials properties research at Sandia National Laboratories has led to research into ultralow impedance, compact pulsed power systems capable of multi-MA shaped current pulses with rise times ranging from 220 to 500 ns. The Genesis design consists of two hundred and forty 200 kV, 80 kA modules connected in parallel to a solid dielectric disk transmission line and is capable of producing 280 kbar of magnetic pressure (>; 500 kbar pressure in high Z materials) in a 1.75 nH, 20-mm wide stripline load. Stripline loads operating under these conditions expand during the experiment resulting in a time-varying load that can impact the performance and lifetime of the system. This paper provides analysis of time-varying stripline loads and the impact of these loads on system performance. Further, an approach to reduce dielectric stress levels through active damping is presented as a means to increase system reliability and lifetime.