Production of quasistatic high magnetic fields by switching low voltage DC generators

A system is described which permits controlled switching of large energies supplied by the 230 V dc generators available at the Francis Bitter National Magnet Laboratory. Such large energy sources are useful for generating magnetic fields approaching 400 kG for times ∼1 sec if suitable switching and magnet systems can be developed. Results of tests to date are summarized. Currents of ∼10 kA have been switched by an SCR bank into resistive and magnet loads in order to demonstrate feasibility. Quasistatic fields of 260 kG have been generated in a 2 cm i.d. copper solenoid precooled to liquid nitrogen temperatures.