Explosive generator development for the SHIVA program. Progress report, January 1, 1975--June 30, 1975

A series of experiments performed by SLA, Division 5233, has culminated in two parallel plate explosive generator tests for the SHIVA program. The experimental generators were one-sided devices, 150 mm wide and 600 mm long with a spacing of 50 mm between the explosively driven and the stationary plates. Significant new features in these generators included (1) high point density initiation over the entire 150 mm x 600 mm surface of the driver charge with an electrically exploded copper mesh, and (2) use of a distended copper plate for the wiped surface at the load end of the generator. The distended copper plate minimized formation of a metallic jet at the interface between the driven and wiped plates. Both explosive generator tests reached current gains of about 8 and energy gains of about 4 despite early termination of generation associated with the arrival of a conductive shock front in the helium atmosphere