Atlas facility fabrication and assembly

Summary form only given. Atlas is a pulsed-power facility recently completed at Los Alamos National Laboratory to drive hydrodynamic experiments. This new generation pulsed-power machine consists of a radial array of 24, 240-kV Marx modules and transmission lines supplying current to the load region at the machine center. The transmission lines, powered by the Marx modules, consist of cable headers, load protection switches and tri-plates interfacing to the center transition section through detachable current joints. A conical power-flow-channel attaches to the transition section providing an elevated interface to attach the experimental loads for diagnostic access. Fabrication and assembly of all components for the Atlas machine was completed in August 2000. The machine has also progressed through a test phase where the Marx module/transmission line units were fired, individually, into a test load. Progression continued with eight and sixteen lines being fired. Subsequently, an overall machine test was conducted where all 24 transmission lines were fired simultaneously, delivering 28.6 MA into the test load. The machine assembly went smoothly with very few problem areas developing during all phases of installation of the structure, oil tanks, transmission lines and center transition section. The target chamber and vacuum system have also been installed. All components are performing as designed at the voltage and current levels expected at this point in the diagnostic testing. The machine was designed, fabricated, assembled and tested within the original budget and on schedule and is meeting the specified performance goals.