Procyon Experiments Utilizing Explosively-formed Fuse Opening Switches

In this paper we describe results from tests of an explosive pulsed power system designed to deliver 15--16 MA to a plasma flow switch (PFS). The PFS, in turn, has the goal of switching current to a z- pinch load to produce a 1-MJ implosion for x-ray generation experiments. The system consists of a MK-IX magnetic flux-compression generator, a coaxial inductive store, an explosively formed fuse (EFF) opening switch, and a vacuum power flow/PFS assembly. Figure 1 shows a completed assembly ready to test. Computational modeling of this system is described in another paper in this conference, and important design considerations have been previously published. Vacuum diagnostics are also discussed in a separate paper in this conference as are results from a test in which a conventional foil-fuse opening switch replaced the EFF. We have performed two development tests of the Procyon system. A preliminary reduced energy test (Shot 1) delivered {approximately}13.6 MA to a 25-nH PFS load, and imposed a large voltage spike on the EFF at nominal pinch time without failure. In a full-energy test (Shot 2), the system delivered 20 MA to the EFF without suffering unexpected losses, and demonstrated the proper onset of EFF opening. Inmore » the 20-MA test, mistiming between the EFF and the load isolation switches led to transmission line failure that disguised late time opening switch performance and diverted most of the current pulse away from the PFS load. These two tests have provided important system characterization information. In some cases design expectations are confirmed and in others adjustments to initial expectations are called for. Performance details are presented below. 8 refs., 13 figs.« less