Evaluation of nanocrystalline materials, amorphous metal alloys, and ferrites for magnetic pulse compression applications

A magnetic pulse compressor test stand was developed to evaluate the switching and loss properties of magnetic core materials that included ferrite and several alloys of nickel-iron, Metglas, and the nanocrystalline material Vitroperm. The test stand generated 1-cos(omega t) voltage pulses across the core under evaluation to simulate the magnetic excitation encountered in pulse compressors. Pulse amplitude and repetition rate were user controlled in order to vary the initial time to saturation while keeping magnetic core temperature constant. Switching losses were calculated directly as integral(nu i)dt, and an advanced figure of merit was utilized to compare test results. The test stand, data acquisition and analysis, and test results are discussed. (C) 2006 American Institute of Physics.