Solid State High Voltage Power Supply

This project proposes to exploit the Giant Magnetostriction of Terfenol-D, along with the properties of piezoelectric ceramics to develop a new class of electric voltage transformer. The Magnetostrictive Piezoelectric Charge Pump (MPCP), when perfected, will provide a new option for the generation of high-voltage electricity. MPCP devices can be built in a wide range of configurations. The primary goal of this Phase I research is to define the factors that govern the design tradeoffs and limits of practical devices. The secondary objective of this Phase I project is to demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a small (sugar cube size), lkV device that can be driven and controlled with a 5 volt supply. These small devices should be able to be configured in series and/or parallel arrays to provide a wide range of high-voltage power supply options. Because of their anticipated small size and rugged design, the MPCP devices can be used in long term storage weapons such as mines and missile launch tubes. As the primary actuator is activated by application of an external magnetic field, firing of the mechanism can be accomplished without mechanical contact. Phase I work is expected to validate the contactless operation of the MPCP.