Experimental and theoretical studies of a flyer plate electromagnetic accelerator

A common initiative for the research into the physics and technology of a flyer plate electromagnetic accelerator has been started at AWE, Aldermaston and Loughborough University. Two electromagnetic accelerators have been constructed and tested: AMPERE, a 120 kJ / 40 kV capacitor bank system at AWE and QUATTRO a 100 kJ/30 kV capacitor bank system at Loughborough Pulsed Power Laboratory. Two numerical models for simulating the foil-flyer accelerator have been developed: a 0-D anda 2-D. The 0-D model is providing a useful tool for designing and for parametric studies and the 2-D model for accurately calculating all the details of the accelerator such as: the velocity, acceleration and temperature of the flyer the current distribution and the overall distribution of the magnetic and electric fields generated during a shot. The paper will present the most relevant experimental data obtained during the first phase of the joint programme and compare it with theoretical predictions.