Simulation of inductive pulse generator with fuse and plasma erosion opening switch (PEOS)

Abstract

Summary form only given, as follows. A phenomenological approach was used to simulate nonlinear elements of the NRL inductive generator PAWN. PAWN uses a low-voltage (≅40-kV) capacitor bank and a fuse which opens to produce a 1-MA, 800-ns risetime pulse that drives a PEOS. Calculations for a version with a dummy load in place of the PEOS as well as for a circuit with PEOS and e-beam diode load have been performed. Good agreement between experimental oscillograms and simulation results (the bank current, the fuse and load currents, the fuse voltage, and the load power) was achieved. The design and improvement of pulse generators, scaling analysis, and selection of their optimum operating modes can be facilitated using the proposed approach