Design of the Mark 101 magnetic flux compression generator

The Mark 101 explosive flux compression generator was designed to generate high voltages into external loads. The stators are helically wound but the armature explosive is simultaneously initiated along its axis. Thus, the generator can possess the large inductance of conventional helical generators, but the burntime is substantially reduced. This leads to large generator impedances that lead to high voltage generation. The armature wall-thickness is varied in such a fashion that it leaves the load output aperture open as the armature starts contact with the stator. Calculations are given for a number of designs in which both the number of stator turns and load inductances are varied. It is also noted that flux losses in the generator skin can be significant