Numerical studies of helical CMF generators

The COMAG-III [1] code has been used to model the dynamic behavior of a small CMF generator having a helical coil. The results have been compared with experiments which employed lightpipe diagnostics of the explosive timing together with flash radiography to time-correlate the mechanical behavior with the previously reported electrical output [2]. The code has also been used to study and compare the importance of various loss mechanisms in these generators, including ohmic heating and the flux lost by the switching action of the armature. A parameter study in which the injection current was varied is described. The possible importance of electrical breakdown is also discussed.