Studies On A Helical Magnetic Flux Compression Generator

The basic performance of a simple helical flux compression generator, driven by 200 g of high explosives, has been studied with current-voltage measurements and optical diagnostics. Emphasis has been put on the characterization of physical effects that limit the generator output with respect to, for instance, maximum achievable output current. Simulation of the electric current output with the commercial circuit simulator PSPICE shows that this generator exhibits an instantaneous flux loss of about 20 % in the low current mode. Based on dynamic magnetic field probe measurements, the complexity of the generator's magnetic field structure is briefly discussed.