Demonstration of a modular, repetitive-fired 1/4-MJ PFN for ETC guns

Author

Hammon, J. ; Bhasavanich, D. ; DaSilva, T. ; Gilman, C.M. ; Nielsen, K. ; Shaw, R.

Author_Institution

Phys. Int. Co., San Leandro, CA, USA

fYear

1996

fDate

25-27 Jun 1996

Firstpage

161

Lastpage

164

Abstract

A compact pulse forming network (PFN) storing ¼ MJ at 16 kV has been assembled and tested to validate its performance as a driver for an electrothermal-chemical (ETC) gun. The PFN features a triggered vacuum gap output switch; shielded inductors at energy density near 10 MJ/m³, with low external magnetic fields; 2.5 MJ/m³ metallized electrode, PVDF dielectric capacitors; and a computer-based controller. The PFN was repetitively fired at 1/3 Hz in 5-shot bursts. Variability of the output energy over the burst was less than 2%. Energy density for the overall PFN module was 1.2 MJ/m³ and the energy transfer efficiency predicted for a 12-module PFN system to an ETC gun-like load was 85%

Keywords

electrothermal launchers; power capacitors; power supplies to apparatus; pulse generators; pulsed power switches; vacuum switches; 0.25 MJ; 0.33 Hz; 16 kV; 85 percent; PVDF dielectric power capacitors; computer control; electrothermal-chemical gun; energy density; energy transfer efficiency; load; metallized electrode; pulse forming network; pulsed power generators; repetitive-firing; shielded inductors; triggered vacuum gap output switch; Assembly; Electrodes; Electrothermal launching; Elementary particle vacuum; Inductors; Magnetic shielding; Magnetic switching; Metallization; Switches; Testing;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Power Modulator Symposium, 1996., Twenty-Second International

Conference_Location

Boca Raton, FL

Print_ISBN

0-7803-3076-5

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/MODSYM.1996.564476

Filename

564476