Geometry optimization of pulsed inductors

Abstract

The optimization of pulsed power inductors' geometry is a difficult multi-dimensional task. On the one hand, an inductor could be destroyed because of the Joule overheating, on the other hand, it might be damaged by the Lorentz forces acting in its windings. The magnetic field pulse up to 50 T is the target while fields of this magnitude are the interest in many scientific applications. All factors mentioned are directly dependent on inductor's geometry, i.e. on the number of winding layers and windings per layer. Therefore, a detailed analysis of thermodynamic, electromagnetic and mechanical processes is inevitable and was carried out for different geometrical inductor configurations to reach the goal: a non-destructive inductor that can meet required magnetic field parameters. Direct calculation methods were used to create universal algorithms in MATLAB environment. The zone of inductor geometries, where stresses do not exceed the yield strength of materials, inductor is not overheated and generated magnetic field magnitude is in acceptable range, is given as a result which enables to manufacture new prototypes saving additional costs and time.