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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Operation of the new Hermes II Marx

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6476187

Because of the unavailability of replacement capacitors of the type used since 1968, it became necessary by early 1980 to plan for a new replacement Marx generator in Hermes II. This replacement was accomplished during the period between October 1, 1980 and March 1, 1981. The new Marx consists of four modules in series, each of which is similar to a PBFA-II Marx, for a total of 128 capacitors. The erected capacitance is 10 nF, the inductance is 25 ..mu..H, and the maximum capacitor charge voltage is 100 kV. The total run time from fire command until diode output is about 2 ..mu..s. This 2 ..mu..s includes approximately 300 ns trigger Marx run time, 900 ns Marx erection time, and 900 ns Blumlein charge time. Due to the faster Blumlein charge time, the new Bremsstrahlung radiation output from Hermes II has increased by 60% compared to that with the old Marx. A unique new shorting system has been added which can short each capacitor individually thereby ensuring a completely discharged Marx and a safer system to work on during repairs and maintenance.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6476187
Report Number(s):
SAND-81-0750C; CONF-810659-7; ON: DE81023679
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English