Advanced Electromagnetic Shutter for Hypervelocity Debris Mitigation

The proposed ultra-fast shutter achieves all design requirements for hypervelocity debris mitigation in the EUV cold x-ray Z-machine experiment using a high reliability magneforming shutter which has been field tested hundreds of times under conditions very similar to the Z-pinch machine. The proposed device is based upon the electromagnetic hypervelocity debris mitigation shutter put into operation at the Auburn University Hypervelocity Impact Facility (HIF) in early 1990s. The present HIF shutter closes a 6.5cm dia aperture and can block 20 km/s particle/plasma at 152 cm range. During routine HIF shots, the HIF shutter stops hypervelocity debris typically 100+ μm in diameter, as well as routinely larger particles at slower speeds. Plans for multiple optimizations which will be implemented to increase the systems capability are presented below.