High speed optical diagnostics of an exploding wire fuse for power conditioning of explosive flux compression generators

This paper presents high-speed optical diagnostics of an exploding wire fuse, which is used in the power conditioning system for an explosive flux compression generator. The images were taken using an IMACON(R) 790 high-speed framing camera utilizing a gated image intensifier tube. For the authors' measurements, the camera was operated in the high-speed multiple frame mode, yielding 8-10 sequential, 2 dimensional pictures with 100 ns between exposures.

I. INTRODUCTION

Typical Magnetic Flux Compression Generators (MFCGs) produce currents in the order of 100's of kA at voltage levels of a few kV. MFCGs are a very potent and. compact source for. pulsed power applications. However a power conditioning stage is required, if voltages of 100's of kV are needed, which is often the case. The power conditioning system described here consists of an energy storage inductor, which is connected in. series with an exploding wire fuse. After current has build up to a predetermined level, the fuse explodes and the inductor current will commutate into the load. For optimum voltage gain, the fuse should open as rapidly as possible and consume as little energy as possible in the process.