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Title: 100 GW linear transformer driver cavity: Design, simulations, and performance

Journal Article · · Physical Review Accelerators and Beams

Here we present details of the design, simulation, and performance of a 100-GW linear transformer driver (LTD) cavity at Sandia National Laboratories. The cavity consists of 20 “bricks.” Each brick is comprised of two 80 nF, 100 kV capacitors connected electrically in series with a custom, 200 kV, three-electrode, field-distortion gas switch. The brick capacitors are bipolar charged to ±100 kV for a total switch voltage of 200 kV. Typical brick circuit parameters are 40 nF capacitance (two 80 nF capacitors in series) and 160 nH inductance. The switch electrodes are fabricated from a WCu alloy and are operated with breathable air. Over the course of 6,556 shots the cavity generated a peak electrical current and power of 1.03 MA (±1.8%) and 106 GW (±3.1%). Experimental results are consistent (to within uncertainties) with circuit simulations for normal operation, and expected failure modes including prefire and late-fire events. New features of this development that are reported here in detail include: (1) 100 ns, 1 MA, 100-GW output from a 2.2 m diameter LTD into a 0.1 Ω load, (2) high-impedance solid charging resistors that are optimized for this application, and (3) evaluation of maintenance-free trigger circuits using capacitive coupling and inductive isolation.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
16-0870; 16-0912; NA0003525; AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
1484554
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1487418
Report Number(s):
SAND-2018-10283J; PRABCJ; 120401
Journal Information:
Physical Review Accelerators and Beams, Journal Name: Physical Review Accelerators and Beams Vol. 21 Journal Issue: 12; ISSN 2469-9888
Publisher:
American Physical SocietyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 20 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Cited By (2)

Comparison of Gas Spark Switch Trigger Methods Through Resistor and Inductor for FLTD journal January 2019
Optimization of switch diagnostics on the MAIZE linear transformer driver journal December 2019

Figures / Tables (11)


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