Caballero: a high current flux compressor system for 100 MJ solid liner experiments

Pulse power systems delivering in excess of 100 MJ represent one of the next major challenges to the community. While laboratory pulse power systems in this energy range are feasible, they represent very substantial investments of both time and resources. Prudence requires that fundamental proof of principle for the contemplated application be established before such massive resources are committed. Explosive pulse power systems using magnetic flux compression provide a direct path to such demonstrations. Furthermore, as energy requirements grow, they may represent the only affordable source of ultra-high energy environments. In this paper we report the results of an experimental test of a first generation disk generator system. Individual disk segments have been tested with framing camera diagnostics to evaluate overall performance dynamics and material, and fabrication failure points. In general no bulk failures were observed in several shots and the critical weld joints were seen to maintain integrity for at least 4 μs after arrival of the detonation front. Single module pulse power experiments have been conducted at reduced initial current (1.5-2.0 MA) with a fixed inductance load of 0.22 nH