The mark IX generator

A large, explosive-driven helical generator (the Mark IX) is described. The stator ID is 35.6 cm and the armature OD is 17.3 cm. The overall length is 112 cm. This generator delivered 11, 23.5, and 30 MA to 120-, 56-, 35-nH loads, respectively. A Marxing technique is used that enables us to employ over 1 MJ of capacitor bank energy for the initial current without destroying the generator prematurely by magnetic forces. The shot data were analyzed by first computing the gener tor inductance vs. time curve and then deriving the resistance vs. time curve from the data. This approach yields a useful characterization of the generator.