Technologies for development of more affordable large X-ray simulators

Pulsed power conditioning elements between the energy-storing capacitor banks and the radiation loads have been the major cost driver for large simulators. The cost is driven by the pulsed power requirements needed to provide the necessary spectral and temporal characteristics of the radiation output for Nuclear Weapons Effects Testing (NWET), as well as for assuring efficient production of the radiation. During the past forty years, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) has developed pulsed power elements and systems that are lowering the cost of X-ray simulators. This paper discusses these technologies including capacitors, closing switches, water pulse lines, vacuum interfaces, plasma opening switches, and vacuum power flow.