The Ranchero explosive pulsed power system and its implications for Atlas

Summary form only given. We are developing an explosive pulsed power system for the purpose of driving cylindrical solid liner implosions. A Ranchero module is a simultaneously initiated coaxial magnetic flux compression generator with an OD of 30 centimeters and an initial inductance of /spl sim/195 nH. Ultimately, we expect to perform experiments at current levels of 70-90 MA, but our near term goal is to conduct experiments in the range of 25 to 50 MA for the purpose of powering implosions of interest to the Atlas program. Development of the full-length module is progressing, and experiments to date have utilized a one-third length explosive system. We have performed experiments with: i) 1.8 MA initial current and 45 MA final current into a 1 nH static load; and 2) 4.6 MA initial current and 40 MA final current into a 5 nH static load. These experiments are described, along with expectations for liner experiments that can be conducted in anticipation of the needs of the Atlas machine when it is commissioned.