Miniature Explosive Pulsed Power for Missiles and Munitions

As defined by SBIR Topic A06-204, Miniature Explosive Pulsed Power for Missiles and Munitions, the objective of this effort is to develop miniature explosive driven pulsed power technologies to power a variety of missile and gun launched payloads. Explosive pulsed power systems consist of those devices that convert the chemical energy of high explosives or propellants into electrical power and condition this power to drive a variety of loads. To achieve the objective of this effort we must develop very compact explosive pulsed power devices capable of generating sufficient power to drive multiple types of payloads. Based on decades of R&D, the best candidate for this power supply is the Helical Magnetocumulative Generator (MCG), or a Helical Flux Compression Generator (FCG). However, recent research has established that when the diameter of these generators decreases below 50.8 mm (2 inches), they produce no current or energy gain. Therefore, the focus of our research effort is to develop alternative FCG designs and their associated power conditioning technologies that will produce current and energy gains when their diameters are as small as 25.4 mm (1 inch) (Fig. 1 is a diagram of a conceptual application of such a power supply). During our Phase I effort, Loki has been examining alternative geometrical designs and power conditioning technologies in order to determine the best means of developing these miniature, high current generators in later phases of the project.