Disk generator with nearly shockless accelerated driver plate

The ''disk'' generator was first conceived here as a useful magnetic field source for a class of in situ plasma experiments. Initial current is supplied (from a capacitor bank) to the generator through radial coaxial cables. It enters the top plate, passes through the central post, and exits through the top of the outer cylindrical glide surface, which is insulated from the top plate. The explosive over the top plate is initiated simultaneously over its upper surface at such a time that the top plate starts its downward motion at about peak initial current. Generators of this class were first developed by Chernyshev, Protasov, and Shevtsov who called them ''disk'' generators, the name we have adopted here. Design details of the generator are given in Sec. II. They are based in considerable part on two-dimensional hydrodynamic calculations. Shot results are summarized in Sec. III, together with a discussion of the data obtained. 3 refs., 7 figs.