VELOCE: A COMPACT PULSER FOR DYNAMIC MATERIAL CHARACTERIZATION AND HYPERVELOCITY IMPACT OF FLYER PLATES

摘要

Sharing similarities with the GEPI pulser which is dedicated to Isentropic Compression Experiments (ICE), VELOCE, an even more compact electrical pulser, has been designed and built in duplicate for SNL and WSU. This type of machine complements gun and laser facilities in the study of material response. In order to achieve a broad loading capability and fast turn around, the design is built around a solid dielectric transmission line to couple current from low inductance capacitors and electrically triggered switches. Peaking capacitors enhanced by a low inductance, multi-channel sharpening switch reduce the quarter period of the pulser to about 470 ns (0–100%). Gas mixtures in the switch cavity and inductances in parallel allow modification of the shape of the induced pressure wave. At 80 kV of charge voltage, the peak current can reach 3.5 MA. Design of the pulser, range of pressures and velocities, as well as potential applications are presented. A consistent numerical tool developed for pulsers design based on a circuit code coupled to a 1D MHD code is also introduced.