Optimization of an electromagnetic generator for strong shocks in low pressure gas

In this paper, we present the design and optimization of an electromagnetic generator, able to produce strong shocks in noble gases, relevant to astrophysical conditions. It is a powerful accelerating device which ejects a quasi-planar plasma sheath out of a set of coaxial conical electrodes where a pulsed 100-kA current is passing. A simple model is used to optimize the operation parameters. Preliminary experiments show that the generator is capable of launching supersonic shocks in Argon, in the form of a thin plasma layer with the speed of ∼1-30 km/s. A three-dimension MHD simulation gives a description consistent with the model and with the observations.