Induction Cell Breakdown Experiments For The Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrotest (DARHT) Facility

Linear induction cells for the Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrotest (DARHT) Facility have been tested to determine their high-voltage breakdown characteristics. A variety of full scale insulators were tested both in actual cells and in fixtures simulating induction cells. All insulators were constructed...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Earley, L.M., Barnes, G.A., Eversole, S.A., Kauppila, T.J., Keel, G., Liska, D.J., Moir, D.C., Parsons, W.M., Rader, D.C.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Acceleration
Electric breakdown
Electron beams
Insulation
Insulator testing
Laboratories
Performance evaluation
Radiography
Vacuum breakdown
Voltage
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Summary:Linear induction cells for the Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrotest (DARHT) Facility have been tested to determine their high-voltage breakdown characteristics. A variety of full scale insulators were tested both in actual cells and in fixtures simulating induction cells. All insulators were constructed using cross-linked polystyrene (Rexolite). High-voltage pulses up to 550 kV were applied to the insulators using both a 60-ns pulse Blumlein and a 200-ns pulse cable Marx. Two different vacuum gaps were used in these tests, 1.46 and 1.91 cm. The tests were performed at various vacuum levels ranging from 1 x 10 -6 to 5 x 10/sup -8/ torr. Breakdown tests of the insulators were also performed with an electron beam generated in the vacuum gap through the use of a velvet emitter. The gap voltage and current were measured using calibrated E-dot and B-dot probes.
DOI:10.1109/PPC.1991.733427