QUASI-ISENTROPIC COMPRESSION OF MATERIALS USING THE MAGNETIC LOADING TECHNIQUE

The magnetic loading technique using pulsed power generators was first developed about a decade ago on the Z Accelerator, and has matured significantly. The recent development of small, pulsed power generators have enabled several key issues in isentropic compression experiments (ICE), such as panel design, sample preparation, and uniformity of loading to be studied. Veloce is a medium-voltage, high-current, compact pulsed power generator developed for cost effective isentropic experiments. The machine delivers ∼2.5 MA of current rapidly (∼440-530 ns) into an inductive load where significant magnetic pressures are produced. Examples of recent material strength measurements from quasi-isentropic loading and unloading of materials are presented.