Novel Technique for Generating Desired Delay and Compression in the Output Current Pulse of Flux Compression Generator (FCG) Simulator

Flux compression generators (FCG) are compact devices which utilize the energy of explosives to generate electrical current pulse. Additionally, pulse conditioning system used with an FCG needs to be optimized before it is ready to be connected. It becomes almost impractical to optimize this conditioning unit with an FCG since these are single-shot devices, i.e. no possibility of non-destructive testing for fine-tuning and optimization. On the other hand, an FCG simulator based on electrical components allows for cost-effective, reproducible, and non-destructive testing of the pulse conditioning systems in non-explosive experiments. Traditionally pulse conditioning/compression was implemented using magnetic switching in a capacitor bank system to generate FCG-like waveform. The authors propose a novel technique for generating arbitrary delay and compression in the output current pulse of a FCG simulator which utilizes spark gaps and magnetic switching both for generating such a type of waveform. The technique was extensively tested in laboratory and a prototype utilizing the above was successfully demonstrated in field. Any arbitrary delay can be implemented with aim of current pulse compression using this technique. The output current waveform closely resembles the actual FCG waveform with exploding wire fuse with presence of clear inflexion points in load current waveform demonstrating the compression of the current waveform. This type of system is easier to configure and much more flexible in the sense that inflexion points can be varied easily.