Preliminary simulations and electromagnetic field analysis of a helical flux compression generator

Abstract

Summary form only given, as follows.The initial design parameters of a helical flux compression generator (HFCG) will be presented. This HFCG is limited to 1.37 kg of explosive or less, with the goal of a maximum load current of 0.5 MA into a 50 nH load inductance. Generator size is constrained to a cylinder that is 10 to 12-cm diameter and 30 cm long. The SCAT95 computer code has been used to provide the initial simulated performance for this proposed generator. The FLUX2D computer code has been used to obtain the initial electromagnetic field profiles within the generator volume. Specifically, the time and space dependent rotation of the magnetic field in the vicinity of the HFCG output near the time of burnout is of interest. The goal of this study is to examine the detailed behavior of the electromagnetic fields within an HFCG in the critical area of the generator output section. Our results may provide a physical, first principle bases for generator design and construction. To retain a physical basis for this theoretical work, a physical generator is being designed for testing. In future work, the results of the theoretical designs will be tested and diagnosed in an experimental system.