Method of generating a mega-ampere current pulse to accelerate a liner by a magnetic field

This paper describes a method and device for generating a mega-ampere quasi-trapezoidal current pulse of given amplitude and duration in a liner load. The experimental device consisting of a current source based on a helical explosive magnetic generator (HEMG) produced a current pulse in the liner load with an amplitude of ≈ 10 MA and controlled duration and current rise and decay times. The use of this source to accelerate cylindrical liners allows the study of the mechanisms of material damage in converging geometry, in which new damage effects may occur due to the multidimensional nature of the loading conditions.