Magnetohydrodynamic simulation of current switching by explosive opening switches of different types

Abstract

The MEG-2D two-dimensional Eulerian design procedure was used for magnetohydrodynamic simulation of the megaampere current switching process by an explosive opening switch. This paper presents simulation results for the current switching of a helical magnetocumulative generator (MCG) by explosive opening switches of different types at the same parameters of the switching scheme, thickness of the breaking conductor made of copper foil, the breaking current, and the number of opening switch elements. Simulation results for current switching by an explosive opening switch with a ribbed barrier for different thickness of the broken copper foil conductor are also presented. In the case of using a foil 0.3 mm thick, a ribbed barrier with steel inserts on the ribs with optimal parameters was investigated. It is shown that at a foil thickness less than 0.2 mm, decreasing the depth of the groove in the barrier does not lead to an increases in the time of triggering of the opening switch.