Explosive Pulsed Power: An Enabling Technology

Explosive pulsed power consists of those devices that convert the chemical energy in explosives into electrical energy. In 2004, a series of programs were initiated to develop several types of very compact explosive pulsed power generators. Based on these recent efforts, we now have a better understanding of the weaknesses and strengths of these small generators. As a result, we can now build reliable generators that provide consistent output currents and voltages. In this paper, a brief introduction to these generators will be given along some of the most recent advances in our understanding of them. A description of an explosive driven high power microwave test bed being built at Texas Tech will be presented. This test bed can be used to test the effects of electromagnetic radiation on electronics. A brief description of some applications of explosive pulsed power will also be presented.