Investigations into pulsed ultra-high magnetic field single-turn coil systems and [theta]-pinch electromagnetically-driven flux compression devices

Magnetic flux densities exceeding 100 T are termed 'ultrahigh' magnetic flux densities and are necessarily developed using pulsed energies. Two particular laboratory techniques are commonly used to produce magnetic fields of this size; the single turn coil (STC) technique and the electromagnetically driven flux compression (EMFC) technique. Over recent years there has been a strong drive to improve both of these systems and to develop them further. This has primarily been achieved by analytical simulation as well as by innovative design solutions. This thesis investigates both techniques, and in particular details the development of an accurate finite element model used in predicting the behaviour of STC systems as well as detailing experimental advances made using a-pinch EMFC systems, including in particular the use of an insulator–metallic phase transition cascade.