Primary Intelligence Asset

contribution

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INTEL

Executive Summary

This document describes the design and testing of specialized devices that use high explosives to generate massive, brief pulses of electricity and magnetic fields. Researchers from the US Army compared computer-simulated models of these generators with real-world experimental results to ensure their accuracy for high-energy military applications.
Analysis Confidence: High
ST_CODE: 3ADED4

System Metadata

Source ID

DOC-USARMYRL

Process Date

2/3/2026

Integrity Hash

SHA256-wcsluleprt9...

Indexer Status

COMPLETE

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INVESTIGATIVE ANALYSIS

Layman's Executive Summary

This document describes the design and testing of specialized devices that use high explosives to generate massive, brief pulses of electricity and magnetic fields. Researchers from the US Army compared computer-simulated models of these generators with real-world experimental results to ensure their accuracy for high-energy military applications.

Document Origin

The document is a poster presentation (ID: 543) from the 2019 Pulsed Power and Plasma Science (PPPS) conference, authored by researchers from the US Army Research Laboratory (ARL).

Research Purpose

The research aimed to develop and validate computer simulations for compact explosively-driven magnetic flux compression (MFC) generators, which are used to convert explosive energy into high-intensity electromagnetic impulses.

Relevancy Analysis

" This research is critical to the study of high-energy-density physics and pulsed power, which are foundational to Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) fusion and advanced aerospace propulsion systems. The ability to generate massive magnetic fields in compact forms mirrors the technological requirements often associated with 'black program' energy sources and directed-energy weapon systems, connecting the US Army Research Laboratory's work to broader strategic OSINT investigations into advanced military power generation. "

Extracted Verifiable Claims

  • The research was presented as Poster 5P10 at the PPPS 2019 conference on June 28, 2019.
  • The study was authored by Dr. George Vunni, Dr. Paul Berning, and Mr. Peter Bartkowski of the US Army Research Laboratory.
  • The researchers utilized ALE3D magnetohydrodynamic simulation software to model the generators.
  • The experimental investigation involved two specific designs of explosively driven magnetic flux generators.
  • The research was categorized under Track 7.1: Explosive Power Generators.

Technical Contribution

This document provides specific experimental validation data for ALE3D magnetohydrodynamic simulations applied to two distinct US Army-designed magnetic flux compression generator architectures.

FORENSIC_TRANSCRIPT_LOG

Transcript

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INTRODUCTION

PPPS 2019 Contribution ID:543Type:Poster 5P10 - Design and simulation of compact explosively-driven magnetic flux compression (MFC) generators for high energy applications. Friday 28 June 2019 13:30 (1h 30m) Explosive-driven magnetic-flux-compression generators are devices that convert part of the energy contained in high explosives into electromagnetic energy. These generators are one of the most efficient techniques for generating high magnetic fields and current impulses. In most generator designs, a small seed current from a capacitor bank is used to create an initial magnetic field between a pair of conducting surfaces. High explosive then drive these surfaces together, compressing the trapped magnetic flux and generating a large output current in the process. This paper presents an ALE3D magnetohydrodynamic simulation and experimental investigation of two explosively driven magnetic flux generators design by the US Army Research Laboratory. Simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data. Author: Dr VUNNI, George (US Army Research Laboratory) Co-authors:Dr BERNING, Paul (US Army Research Laboratory);Mr BARTKOWSKI, Peter (US Army Research Laboratory) Presenter:Dr VUNNI, George (US Army Research Laboratory) Session Classification:Poster - Compact and Explosive Pulsed Power and Pulsed Power Systems Track Classification:7.1 Explosive Power Generators