Ranchero overview and expectations for performance at currents over 50 MA (LA-UR 11-04345)

Ranchero is a coaxial magnetic flux compression generator (FCG) initiated simultaneously on-axis, which is intended to produce currents approaching 100 MA. We continue with both applications and development, striving for both cost effectiveness and high performance. In this paper we discuss on-going work, provide details of the sophisticated detonation system, and show high current predictions from our active modeling effort. We intend further tests that will push the limits of Ranchero performance.