Vibration Simulation of a Space Probe Model Superconducting Energy Storage Coil

Abstract

A space probe program to investigate the dynamic interaction of a high-energy plasma with the upper atmosphere and the earth’s geomagnetic field requires a compact energy source to create the plasma. The optically traceable plasma released into the ionosphere is excited neon injected at velocities greater than 10⁷ cm/sec at altitudes of greater than 220 km (140 miles). The plasma is generated with a coaxial plasma gun powered by a high explosive current generator. The generator converts chemical and magnetic field energy into electrical energy; however, a fairly sizeable magnetic field is required initially. An explosive generator is essentially a fast-moving conductor in a magnetic field driven by an explosive charge and arranged in a geometry to act simultaneously as a variable inductance to sweep a trapped field to give a high current [¹]. In previous experiments this field was furnished by discharge of a capacitor bank into the coil of the explosive generator.

Work performed under the auspices of the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission.