Mixed 3-D/2-D simulation of an exploding foil opening switch

We have performed simulations of exploding foil opening switches using a mixed 3-D/2-D code. The 2-D code determines the non-uniform distribution of current density through the foil arising out of geometric effects. The resulting non-uniformity in foil expansion is handled using a 3-D hydrocode.. The dependence of electrical resistivity of the foil material upon the specific internal energy has been determined by comparison with published experimental data for a simple foil geometry. This is then used to predict foil burst performance for other geometries. We find reasonably good agreement with experimental data, although certain deviations remain. We have also examined the sensitivity of these results to variations in geometry.