Computational simulations of explosive-driven plasma-quench opening switches

High explosive driven plasma opening switches were modeled in one dimension using the Lagrangian MHD code RAVEN. These were calculated in both cylindrical and planar geometry. Simple compression can account for observed resistance increases at early times which is time of flight of the high explosive detonation products across the plasma conducting channel. It is suggested that some improvements in switch performance might be achieved through a choice of gases in the plasma channel and by lowering the pressure in the channel.