Fundamental studies of a helical magnetic flux compression generator

The design of a helical flux compression generator, driven by 200 g of high explosives, for basic studies is presented and experimental results are discussed. Generator current and dI/dt are measured with Rogowski coils placed on the load. Both crowbar closure and contact velocity have been successfully simulated with CTH, a three-dimensional finite element hydrodynamic code. The generator's magnetic field structure is briefly discussed and magnetic field probe measurements are presented.