Ferromagnetic and ferroelectric materials as seed sources for magnetic flux compressors

An alternative to the use of capacitors as the seed source for flux compression generators (FCG) are permanent magnet based systems. Permanent magnets provide a larger energy-to-volume ratio given that the use of capacitors requires a power source as well as charging and firing circuitry. A recent design developed at Texas Tech University's Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, focused on the demagnetization of a Neodymium-Iron-Boron magnet (Nd₂Fe₁₄B, B_r = 1.23 T) by a shockwave generated from high explosives. The maximum specific energy achieved with this design was only 2.3 J/kg, which may not be sufficient for effectively seeding an FCG (fast capacitors have at least 20 J/kg). The same magnets were used with an alternative design, referred to as a strip FCG, which utilizes opposing magnets to generate, an initial magnetic field intensity within an air gap. The air gap exists between a central tube, filled with high explosives, and metal strips placed between the magnets a few millimeters off-axis. The detonation of the explosive causes the expansion of the central tube, subsequently compressing the flux into the strips and then into the load. The original strip FCG design used oxide-barium magnets (B_r = 0.2T), which produced an estimated specific energy of 5.27 J/kg into a low inductance load. These magnets were replaced with the Nd₂Fe₁₄B (B_r = 1.23 T) magnets in order to achieve better performance, which will be analyzed with respect to the specific energy. In addition, a design utilizing a shocked ferroelectric material, PZT, as a seed current source is discussed. An explosively generated shock wave is passed through a ferroelectric material, generating a current that establishes the initial seed flux for an FCG. Preliminary tests of the ferroelectric sources indicate a possible theoretical specific energy of more than 11 J/kg or 25 J/dm³. A comparison of the designs will be discussed with regard to the specific energy produced and the effectiveness of each to seed FCG's.