Similarities and Differences between Small FCG'S and Larger FCG'S

After experimentally testing eight different designs of small explosive-driven, magnetic flux compression generators (FCGs), several similarities and differences have emerged when compared to larger FCGs. While the similarities were expected, the differences are rather surprising. The magnetic flux compression generators under consideration are small. Their armature diameters range from 0.95 cm to 2.54 cm.

The similarities and differences are discussed using three figures of merit; alpha, magnetic flux efficiency, and energy gain. Experimental information is provided from tests of the small generators.

Freeman B.L.^, Altgilbers L.L.^, Fowler C.M.^, Luginbill A.D.

^Texas A&M University, TAMUS-3133
College Station, TX 77843-3133, USA
e-mail: bruce.freeman@ne.tamu.edu
^Advanced Technology Directorate,
US Army Space and Missile Defense Command
^Los Alamos National Laboratory and
Texas A&M University Adjunct Professor,
Nuclear Engineering