Cylindrical Ferro Electric Generators waveshaping techniques and performance

This paper will review a current research and development effort aimed at developing a small form factor cylindrical PZT Ferro Electric Generator (FEG). Two options will be discussed - shaping the PZT crystal into a conic section and shaping the acoustic pulse from the explosive wave train, both techniques will be discussed in terms of ease of implementation, fabrication and performance achieved. We will also discuss corona induced failure in FEG devices and methods to mitigate this effect. Representative data will be presented for FEG devices made from EC-64 and 95/5 PZT for both geometries. Scaling relations will be presented and discussed in terms of physical dimensions and materials.