High-Velocity Flyer-Plate Developments on Two High-Pulsed-Power Generators Based on a Strip-Line Design (GEPI and CEPAGE)

The Générateur Electrique de Pressions Intenses (GEPI) device was the first low-inductance high pulsed power (HPP) generator based on the strip-line design. It was initially developed for the study of the quasi-isentropic dynamic behavior of inert materials. A maximum current of 3.5 MA can be delivered with a 500-ns rise time. These electrical characteristics also allow the use of the GEPI for the projection of plane projectiles (i.e., flyer plates), with a velocity over 10 km/s having already been demonstrated. The new low-inductance pulsed power generator, the Conduite d'Eléments Projetés' Adaptable par Générateur Electrique (CEPAGE) device, has been developed to combine transportability, compactness, and low-cost maintenance. This compactness relies on the use of high energy, low-inductive capacitors, and switches, permitting the storage of more energy. Its size has been optimized to house it in an existing pyrotechnic facility, for performing shock-wave experiments on high-explosive materials with high-velocity metallic flyer plates of controlled planarity. We describe the experimental and numerical work done on these two generators for high-velocity flyer-plate projection and characterization.

I. Introduction

High pulsed power (HPP) generators have shown, over the last decade, great versatility to cover the scope of isentropic compression experiments. This technology has recently been applied for shock-wave experiments and required more research and development to explore all the scope of capabilities. It has to solve key issues, such as the planarity and phase changes of flyer plates as a function of the impact velocity.