New technology to enable radiographic images to protect the world
Redesigned pulsed-power capacitor modules increase X-ray and electron-beam power
DOE / LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY
Redesigned pulsed-power capacitor modules increase X-ray and electron-beam power
PICTURE: ENABLE POWERFUL POWDER OR TWO CAPACITOR MODULES, TECHNIQUES THAT CAN SEE DESIGN REVIEW FOR OVER 40 YEARS. see more
CREDIT: LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY
In a state-of-the-art security science, where rapid understanding of material and physical processes is essential to operational processes, middle-aged technology is at the center of action. The size of a small sports car and shaped box, the Febetrons produce X-rays to capture high-speed objects as part of a blast and allow for measurement of their location, speed, position and interior. congestion profiles. Enabling Febetron capacitor modules, a technology that has not seen a design update for more than 40 years, until the Los Alamos National Laboratory research team developed a new "K-module" device.
"Capacitor modules are similar to the car engines of these Febetron devices," said Kalpak Dighe, a project leader in the batch of energy systems. “That means the Febetron user community is still stuck with the engine that has not changed for 40 years. What we have done is redesign the engine completely, with all the advantages of the latest performance, reliability and efficiency. ”
X-ray machines also have civilian use, and the newly developed capacitor module technology can be adapted to suit medical imaging equipment, as well as work in the fields of petrochemical, energy and aerospace. But technology is critical to national security operations. Similarly, about a third of flash radiography users are from the Department of Defense and laboratories from the Department of Energy. Radiographic data and images are used to compel computer models to asset behavior at high temperatures and high pressures.
When placed horizontally in the capacitor bank (also called Marx bank) inside Febetron, the disc-shaped capacitor module stores and delivers striking energy to the anode-cathode (A-K) space for X-ray production. The 80-module bank doubles the power supply as the charge grows faster in stack, runs in the A-K space and emits X-rays. Targeted, and timed by firing, X-rays can visualize processes that take place during an explosion - important information for understanding and improving weapon systems. The more powerful the X-ray, the more it penetrates the blasting process to “see” the details of objects.
Starting design work two years ago, Dighe and his team worked on a few prototypes to innovate and improve the design of the module. Research expert Robert Sedillo was instrumental in assembling K modules with next-generation components such as high-voltage capacitors and resistors capable of withstanding high power fluctuations, helping to bring more efficiency and reliability. The construction of the circuit switching stairs - in contrast to the integrated design of the current modules - contributes to the increase in the flow rate of the current through the capacitor bank during the discharge. A solid redesigned electrical connection between adjacent modules prevents barking. Specialists Timothy Byers and John Wilson assisted Dighe in planning and conducting laboratory tests to validate the performance of the K modules.
Compared with current modules, which produce approximately 2 million volts, K-modules significantly increase the output power and power of the X-ray flash machines. The newly designed K modules are expected to produce approximately 3.3 million volts and 10 thousand amperes, resulting in 33 gigawatts of maximum power in 20 nanoseconds. This increase in electrical energy will also increase the X-ray spectra, in other words, faster photon energy, allowing X-rays to move through the material and provide better contrast, thus clarity, on radiographs. Those skills are essential for photographing high-Z elements, elements with a high atomic (Z) number of protons in the nucleus. K modules will also increase the electron flexibility in the target when implanted in an electron beam. Febetrons produce electron beams that are used to reflect radiation effects in high-tech electronic circuits such as archery systems, aerial vehicles, and satellite loading.
In addition to operational barriers, the reliability of current-generation capacitor modules is limited - take a picture of a car in the early 1980s, in the forties, which can never be relied upon to move from point A to point B. X-ray laboratory in Los Alamos, i -Dighe can point to a modern technology module that took only 39 shots instead of 3,000 which should be its lifespan. With epoxy-covered circuitry inside the plastic shell, current generation modules are at risk of internal damage from potential installation. In the first field trial over the past two years, using almost 400 shots, the K modules have maintained their efficiency and continue to operate reliably.
There are no modifications to the current generation module; even the pinhole feature defines the end of the road for it. Ordering a replacement may result in delays of months or even years, indicating ongoing risk in test schedules, as well as large investments of time and resources linked to those schedules. In contrast, K-modules are easy to use. Off-the-shelf trading components are accessible and easily changeable, making adjustment a viable option compared to the disposal module. Additionally, most of the components of the K module are reusable.
K modules are developed specifically for Febetrons, and can get immediate use on those machines. But the technology of the pulsed-power capacitor module
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