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Finite-element modeling for an explosively loaded ferroelectric generator

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1571553· OSTI ID:1571553
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [2]
  1. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
  2. CCDC Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (United States)

A preliminary finite-element model has been developed using the ALEGRA-FE code for explosive driven depoling of a PZT 95/5 ferroelectric generator. The ferroelectric material is characterized using hysteresis-loop and hydrostatic depoling tests. These characteristics are incorporated into ALEGRA-FE simulations that model the explosive drive mechanism and shock environment in the material leading to depoling, as well as the ferroelectric response and the behavior of a coupled circuit. The ferroelectric-to-antiferroelectric phase transition is captured, producing an output voltage pulse that matches experimental data to within 10% in rise time, and to within about 15% for the final voltage. Both experimental and modeled pulse magnitudes are less than the theoretical maximum output of the material. Observations from materials characterization suggest that unmodeled effects such as trapped charge in the stored FEG material may have influenced the experimentally observed output.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); Army Research Laboratory (ARL)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
1571553
Report Number(s):
SAND-2019-12669; 680503
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English