Advanced Power Sources for X-ray Simulators

Nuclear weapons effects simulators depend upon capacitor banks for storage and delivery of energy for the radiation sources. Power conditioning elements are typically located in the power flow chain between the storage capacitors and the radiation sources, and these elements generally constitute a major portion of the overall cost of the simulator facility. Low inductance capacitors offer the potential to remove some of the pulse-forming power conditioning elements and the associated cost. Further, high energy density capacitors offer the ability to store and deliver the higher power levels being sought for next-generation simulators in the same or reduced physical space. Development of high energy density, low inductance capacitors is needed to support power increases up to three magnitude orders in next-generation simulators. TPL proposes a program for development and fabrication of low inductance, high voltage, high energy density capacitors for simulator applications. Model capacitors will be designed and constructed using TPL polymer/paper film, and evaluated in accordance with x-ray simulator requirements. This state-of-the-art material system in combination with innovative construction methods will allow TPL to meet the simulator requirements of high operating voltage, low inductance and high energy density.