Toward predictive pulsed power loss estimates to ensure dynamic materials properties experiment success*

Successful execution of dynamic materials properties experiments on large scale pulsed power machines can involve over-taxing the pulsed power driver. Under some circumstances, electrical loses can alter the isentropic compression path of the sample material at high pressure, resulting in shock formation or a failure to reach the desired peak pressure. Loss models based on space charge limited ion emission, enhanced by electron flow current, are beginning to demonstrate potential for predictive modeling of materials experiments. We present the state of this effort and some of the challenges inherent in the use of the ion loss model.