Failure Analysis of a 100 Tesla Pulsed Magnet

A triple-coil pulsed magnet aiming at 100 T (Tesla) was developed and tested at the Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center (WHMFC). The outer coil was powered by a 100 MJ pulse generator and a battery bank connected in series. The middle and inner coils were energized by 25 kV capacitor banks. The magnet failed at 83 T, while the whole structure remained intact. The failure process is analyzed by using the recorded waveforms of the voltage and the current, as well as disassembling and dismantling the failed magnet. It shows that the electrical breakdown occurred between the middle and outer coils as well as within the inner coil, and the inner coil broke down before the middle and outer coils. Based on the previous analysis, the time line of the failure process is given. Additionally, the possible reasons for the failure are also discussed. The results show that the buckling and fiber fracture of the inner coil might cause the accident.