High-Velocity Flyer-Plate Developments on Two High-Pulsed-Power Generators Based on a Strip-Line Design (GEPI and CEPAGE)

The Générateur Electrique de Pressions Intenses (GEPI) device was the first low-inductance high pulsed power (HPP) generator based on the strip-line design. It was initially developed for the study of the quasi-isentropic dynamic behavior of inert materials. A maximum current of 3.5 MA can be delivered with a 500-ns rise time. These electrical characteristics also allow the use of the GEPI for the projection of plane projectiles (i.e., flyer plates), with a velocity over 10 km/s having already been demonstrated. The new low-inductance pulsed power generator, the Conduite d'Eléments Projetés' Adaptable par Générateur Electrique (CEPAGE) device, has been developed to combine transportability, compactness, and low-cost maintenance. This compactness relies on the use of high energy, low-inductive capacitors, and switches, permitting the storage of more energy. Its size has been optimized to house it in an existing pyrotechnic facility, for performing shock-wave experiments on high-explosive materials with high-velocity metallic flyer plates of controlled planarity. We describe the experimental and numerical work done on these two generators for high-velocity flyer-plate projection and characterization.