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Operational characteristics of a high voltage dense plasma focus. Final report, 7 May 1982-19 April 1985

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5873913
A high-voltage dense plasma focus powered by a single-stage Marx bank was designed, built and operated. The maximum bank parameters are: voltage--120 kV, energy--20 kJ, short-circuit current--600kA. The bank impedance is about 200 millohms. The plasma focus center electrode diameter is 1.27 cm. The outer electrode diameter is 10.16 cm. Rundown length is about 10 cm, corresponding to a bank quarter period of about 900 millohms ns. Rundown L is about 50 milliohms. The context of this work is established with a review of previous plasma focus theoretical, experimental, and computational work and related topics. Theoretical motivation for high-voltage operation is presented. The design, construction, and operation of this device are discussed in detail. Results and analysis of measurements obtained are presented. Device operation was investigated primarily at 80 kV (9 kJ), with a gas fill of about 1 torr H2, plus 3-5 percent A. The following diagnostics were used: gun voltage and current measurements; filtered, time-resolved x-ray PIN measurements of the pinch region; time-integrated x-ray pinhole photographs of the pinch region; fast-frame visible light phototgraphs of the sheath during rundown; and B probe measurements of the current sheath shortly before collapse.
Research Organization:
New Mexico Univ., Albuquerque (USA). Dept. of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering
OSTI ID:
5873913
Report Number(s):
AD-A-164298/2/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English