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Experiments with an explosively opened plasma switch

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6643801
Scaling experiments have been performed on an explosively activated plasma opening switch. Current density and choice of explosive apparently are the most important variables in determining switch performance. Granular nitroguanadine, Octol, and Comp B3 explosives provide the fastest switching times. Granular nitroguanadine, when used to quench a planar plasma channel, gave a switch time of 0.3 ..mu..s at a current density of 60 kA/cm (90 kA current). Datasheet explosive was used to quench a cylindrical plasma channel, with submicrosecond switching time of megampere currents.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6643801
Report Number(s):
SAND-81-0259C; CONF-810118-2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English