Shock Wave Generators

Flux compression generators (FCGs) are high-energy power supplies that are capable of delivering joules to megajoules to loads. There are different types of generators, where each type has its advantages and disadvantages. One possible significant disadvantage of all FCGs is high G-force survivability. To address this issue, a new FCG design is being developed. This new generator, called a Shock Wave Generator (SWG), replaces the standard air filled armature with a powder or a solid, which under shock pressures transitions from a dielectric to a metallic state. This moving metallic shock front is used to convert the chemical energy of high explosives into electrical energy. In this paper, we will report on recent experimental studies of these generators.