An Introduction to Slapper Detonators Exploding Foil Initiators (EFIs), known colloquially as slapper detonators, are fired by discharging a capacitor, typically charged to 1000-5000 volts. Current flows through the conductors to a bridge, heating the bridge through resistive heating. If the heating is rapid enough, the bridge is vaporised; and forms a high pressure gas. This shears a dielectric film that acts as a flyer which accelerates through an air gap, known as the barrel, and into an explosive pellet. The impact of the flyer into the pellet delivers a high-pressure, short-duration shock pulse; resulting in the prompt initiation of the explosive. Typical flyer velocities range between 3-5 km.s~(-1).
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