An Electrolytic Capacitor Based Pulse Forming Network For Maximizing Peak Current In A Railgun Simulator

The pulse forming networks (PFNs) for the RGS-II, a railgun simulator, use electrolytic capacitors to produce low voltage, high current pulses. The plasma armature experimental program now in progress requires single ended excitation. This paper describes the design of a higher current PFN that is optimized to provide peak current and suitable pulse shape.