Miniature Pulsed Power Generators

EPPI proposes to develop a miniaturized pulsed power generator that produces a short duration, high current and high voltage pulse. The chemical energy available from high explosives is 5000 Joules per gram. The challenge is to efficiently convert the chemical energy to electrical energy. Flux Compression Generator (FCG) efficiencies of several percent have already been demonstrated. A 5 cubic inch package containing a 2.2 cubic inch FCG could produce more than 1000 Joules. This is many times the maximum energy required. The technical challenges are maintaining FCG efficiency, controlling pulselength, and managing high voltage inside a miniaturized package. Piezoelectric materials can also be used to produce electrical pulses. An explosive pad coupled to a piezoelectric stack can be used to make a piezoelectric pulser (PEP). It works by explosively squeezing out the stored electrical charge. The intrinsic simplicity of the approach merits evaluation as a charging source to the FCG. Phase I will complete a detailed analysis of the FCG and PEP capability to provide the output waveforms. Preliminary prototype experiments into representative loads will be performed. The prototype will be used in Phase II for development and construction of production quality packages of the optimal device.