Contents I. Introduction
Magnetic Flux Compression Generators (MFCG) are capable of generating ultra-high current and voltages (typically 10's kV and 100's kA to MA) in time intervals measured in tens of microsecond. The main principles involved in MFCG are well known as described in a number of existing published works [1]–[3]. The explosive-filled cylindrical armature is used as a conductor to form an electrical circuit with the surrounding helical coils and the load coil. During the explosion process, the expanding armature moves continuously outwards to short successive turns of helical coils (stator), and to compress and force the magnetic flux into the load coil. It is well known that an insulator under high pressure and temperature can transform into a semi-conductor or even a conductor [4], [5]. The shock loading of the gas between the armature and the stator increases both the pressure and the temperature of the gas. The resulting increase in the electrical conductivity of the gas can lead to potential electrical arcing across the gas in locations where the physical contact between the armature and the stator is yet to occur. Such uncontrolled arcing between the armature and the stator would result in loss of magnetic flux and decreased electrical efficiency of the MFCG. Therefore, for a given MFCG design, the knowledge of gas temperature and pressure is necessary for identifying potential problems and development of an optimal design.
