Building Marx Generators - Tips & Advice Needed

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on building Marx generators, specifically focusing on reducing discharge duration while maintaining high voltage output. The user has constructed generators ranging from 30KV to 4MV and is currently working on a sealed unit with aluminum casing and coaxial discharge electrodes. The design incorporates PE-based capacitors stacked centrally, with spark gaps positioned along the capacitors. The generator is charged to 25KV with 30 stages, aiming for a discharge voltage of 750KV and energy storage of approximately 10J, emphasizing the need for safety due to the high energy levels involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Marx generator design principles
  • Knowledge of high-voltage safety protocols
  • Familiarity with capacitor types, specifically polyethylene (PE) capacitors
  • Experience with discharge electrode configurations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced techniques for minimizing inductance in high-voltage systems
  • Explore methods for optimizing discharge duration in Marx generators
  • Learn about UV radiation triggering mechanisms for high-voltage discharges
  • Investigate safety measures and best practices for working with high-energy electrical systems
USEFUL FOR

Electronics engineers, hobbyists building high-voltage devices, and safety professionals involved in high-energy electrical systems will benefit from this discussion.

lilrex
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I have built a number of Marx generators ranging for 30KV to 4MV I have achieved good rise time but I was wondering if anyone else here had experience with them and could help me with decreasing the duration. I mainly need just building tips and such.

My current one I am building will be in a sealed unit. With an outer can of aluminum and a discharge electrode coaxially located at the end. The capacitors will be stacked in the center space, with the spark gaps located along the center of the capacitors. I have tried to eliminate as much inductance as I can think of. The caps are PE based. Initially charged to 25KV with 30 stages it should achieve 750KV and will be fired with UV radiation. I need as short of a discharge as possible. The stored energy would be about 10J.

I know my descriptions are obscure and I will add pictures and diagrams soon.

Any help would be good. Thank you.
 
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Sorry, that's not enough information for us to be helpful.

Be careful. 10J in the megavolt range can be a major safety hazard. That's another reason not to discuss it here on a public forum. We would not want less qualified people to try to duplicate your feats based on a few crumbs of information on the Internet.
 

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