High-power microwave generator and method for facilitating in-situ characterization of penetration damage traces

Abstract

This invention relates to a high-power microwave generator and method for in-situ characterization of breakdown damage traces, belonging to the field of high-power microwave technology. A split-type slow-wave structure is arranged inside the sleeve, and an outer cylinder is provided outside the sleeve. A sealing ring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder, and a limiting ring is fixedly connected to one side of the outer cylinder. The inner wall of the limiting ring is connected to a hollow circular waveguide via threads. The other inner wall of the outer cylinder has a vertical groove parallel to its central axis and an annular groove communicating with the vertical groove. This invention, by using multiple slow-wave structure rings to form a split-type slow-wave structure, can achieve the observation and detection of the microstructure and elemental composition of breakdown damage traces on the working surface of Cherenkov-type devices without damaging the metal structure. It not only has outstanding advantages such as low cost and simple operation, but also effectively avoids the situation where excessive pressure between the hollow circular waveguide and the limiting ring during installation causes deformation of the slow-wave structure annularly located between them, thus affecting the experimental results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a high-power microwave generator and method for facilitating in-situ characterization of penetration damage traces, and belongs to the field of high-power microwave technology. Background Technology

[0002] High-power microwave generators are core components of high-power microwave weapon systems. Currently, widely used high-power microwave generators include Cherenkov-type devices, transit-time oscillators, and virtual cathode oscillators. Among them, the Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generator has advantages such as compact structure, large power capacity, and high conversion efficiency, making it one of the most promising high-power microwave generators for current applications. The Cherenkov-type device utilizes a high-voltage pulse generated by a pulsed power source to drive the ring-shaped explosive emission cathode of a vacuum diode, generating a high-current relativistic electron beam. Guided by an axially applied external magnetic field, the relativistic electron beam passes through a high-frequency structure and interacts with the electromagnetic waves within it to generate high-power microwaves. The energy of the interacting electron beam is deposited on the collecting electrode, and the generated high-power microwaves are radiated into the atmosphere through transmission and radiation components such as a mode converter, feed horn, and dielectric window.

[0003] To meet the demands of high-power microwave weapons for greater destructive capabilities, the microwave output power, conversion efficiency, microwave frequency, and pulse energy of Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generators need further expansion. As Cherenkov-type devices develop towards higher power, efficiency, and microwave frequency, the electromagnetic field within the device's high-frequency structure will be further enhanced; conversely, as Cherenkov-type devices develop towards longer pulse widths and greater pulse energies, the duration of the strong electromagnetic field will also be longer. At this point, the risk of strong electromagnetic field vacuum breakdown within the device's high-frequency structure will significantly increase. Strong electromagnetic field vacuum breakdown refers to a plasma breakdown phenomenon that develops within the high-frequency structure of a Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generator under the influence of a strong microwave field. Strong electromagnetic field vacuum breakdown not only directly affects the microwave generation of Cherenkov-type devices, leading to pulse shortening and frequency drift in high-power microwaves, but also causes damage to the internal metal structure, severely restricting the device's performance and lifespan. When the output power of a Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generator is low or the number of operating pulses is small, the breakdown damage on the structural surface is relatively minor, typically manifesting as discrete, spot-like breakdown marks near small-radius locations. As the output power of the device increases or the number of operating pulses increases, the spot-like breakdown marks will gradually increase and connect into patches, eventually forming severe breakdown damage. Based on this, vacuum breakdown under strong electromagnetic fields is currently a key technical bottleneck and an urgent technical problem that restricts the physical performance of Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generators.

[0004] To investigate the physical mechanism of breakdown damage formation, researchers proposed placing the breakdown damage traces of a Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generator under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to observe the microscopic morphology of the damage traces and analyze the formation mechanism of the breakdown damage traces and the formation process of vacuum breakdown under a strong electromagnetic field. However, the radius and length of the Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generator tube are generally much larger than the stage size of the SEM. Therefore, multiple wire cuts are required to obtain a sample that can be placed in the SEM stage, thus enabling observation of the microscopic morphology of the breakdown damage traces on the working surface of the Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generator. However, during the wire cutting process, when the cut material locally reaches its melting point, a large number of droplets will splash and fall onto the nearby working surface. After cooling, the droplets will form a stable bond with the working surface. Therefore, the working surface of the Cherenkov-type device after wire cutting becomes rough and uneven, with a feel similar to sandpaper. At this point, a large number of spherical or disc-shaped particles, ranging in size from μm to hundreds of μm, adhere to the surface of the metal material. These adhered particles form a stable bond with the working surface, making them difficult to remove using ultrasonic cleaning or similar methods. The presence of these numerous adhered particles severely interferes with the observation of the original morphology of the breakdown damage traces of the Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generator after high-power microwave experiments. Therefore, an improvement is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems in the background art and provide a high-power microwave generator and method that facilitates in-situ characterization of breakdown damage traces.

[0006] The present invention achieves the above objectives by adopting the following technical solution:

[0007] A high-power microwave generator, facilitating in-situ characterization of penetration damage traces, includes a high-frequency structure. The high-frequency structure includes a sleeve. A split-type slow-wave structure is housed within the sleeve, and an outer cylinder is provided outside the sleeve. A sealing ring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder, and a limiting ring is fixedly connected to one side of the outer cylinder. The inner wall of the limiting ring is threaded to a hollow circular waveguide. The other inner wall of the outer cylinder has a vertical groove parallel to its central axis and an annular groove communicating with the vertical groove. A slider is provided within the vertical groove and the annular groove, and the slider is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the slider cylinder. The slider cylinder slides through a gap with the sleeve and the outer cylinder, and a limiting ring is connected to the inner wall of the slider cylinder via a bearing.

[0008] A method for using a high-power microwave generator that facilitates in-situ characterization of breakdown damage traces, the method comprising the following steps:

[0009] Step 1: Assemble multiple slow-wave structure rings to form a usable Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generator;

[0010] Step 2: Conduct high-power microwave experiments using the assembled Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generator;

[0011] Step 3: After the high-power microwave experiment, the split slow-wave structure is disassembled;

[0012] Step 4: Place the slow-wave structure ring on the sample stage of the scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy, and characterize its microstructure based on the scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The present invention, by forming a split slow-wave structure with multiple slow-wave structure rings, can realize the observation and detection of the micromorphology and elemental composition of the breakdown damage traces on the working surface of Cherenkov-type devices without damaging the metal structure. It not only has outstanding advantages such as low cost and simple operation, but also can effectively avoid the situation where excessive pressure between the hollow circular waveguide and the limiting ring causes the slow-wave structure ring located between the two to change, thereby affecting the experimental results. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the high-power microwave generator of the present invention, which facilitates in-situ characterization of penetration damage traces.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the outer cylinder of the high-power microwave generator of the present invention, which facilitates in-situ characterization of penetration damage traces;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the hollow circular waveguide structure of the high-power microwave generator of the present invention, which facilitates in-situ characterization of breakdown damage traces.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the slide tube structure of the high-power microwave generator of the present invention, which facilitates in-situ characterization of penetration damage traces;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the split slow wave structure of the high-power microwave generator of the present invention, which facilitates in-situ characterization of breakdown damage traces.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the high-power microwave generator of the present invention, which facilitates in-situ characterization of penetration damage traces;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of a Cherenkov-type device.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Outer cylinder; 11. Vertical groove; 12. Annular groove; 13. Sealing ring; 14. Connecting ring; 2. Hollow circular waveguide; 3. Sliding cylinder; 31. Limiting ring; 32. Sliding block; 33. Arc groove; 34. Arc tie rod; 4. Slow wave structure ring; 5. Sleeve; 6. High frequency structure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the invention, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] Specific implementation method one: as follows Figure 1-7 As shown, this embodiment describes a high-power microwave generator that facilitates in-situ characterization of penetration damage traces, including a high-frequency structure 6; the high-frequency structure 6 includes a sleeve 5; a split slow-wave structure is provided inside the sleeve 5, and an outer cylinder 1 is provided outside the sleeve 5; a gap is left between the sleeve 5 and the outer cylinder 1, and a sealing ring 13 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder 1. The sealing ring 13 between the outer cylinder 1 and the sleeve 5 can increase friction and prevent relative sliding between the two; a connecting ring 14 is fixedly connected to one side of the outer cylinder 1; the inner wall of the connecting ring 14 is connected to a hollow circular waveguide 2 by threads; a vertical groove 11 parallel to its central axis and an annular groove 12 communicating with the vertical groove 11 are provided on the inner wall of the other side of the outer cylinder 1; a slider 32 is provided in the vertical groove 11 and the annular groove 12 for sliding cooperation with them; the slider 32 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the slider cylinder 3; the slider cylinder 3 slides in cooperation with the gap between the sleeve 5 and the outer cylinder 1, and a limit ring 31 is connected to the inner wall of the slider cylinder 3 by a bearing.

[0024] The split-type slow-wave structure consists of multiple slow-wave structure rings 4. This allows the slow-wave structure rings 4 to be observed without cutting them.

[0025] The outer diameter of the slow-wave structure ring 4 is equal to the inner diameter of the sleeve 5.

[0026] The hollow circular waveguide 2 is coaxial with the sleeve 5.

[0027] The hollow circular waveguide 2 and the limiting ring 31 are respectively abutted against the two ends of the split slow wave structure.

[0028] The outer side of the limiting ring 31 is provided with an arc-shaped groove 33, and a rotatable arc-shaped pull rod 34 is provided in the arc-shaped groove 33. By rotating the arc-shaped pull rod 34, it is easy to pull out and put in the slide cylinder 3. When not in use, the arc-shaped pull rod 34 can be put into the arc-shaped groove 33. The arc-shaped pull rod 34 is hinged to the inner wall of the arc-shaped groove 33 by a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is fixed to the inner wall of the arc-shaped groove 33, and the other end of the rotating shaft is interference-fitted with the arc-shaped pull rod 34 to reduce the possibility of the arc-shaped pull rod 34 automatically disengaging from the arc-shaped groove 33.

[0029] When the limiting ring 31 contacts the split slow wave structure, the slider 32 can slide into the annular groove 12. The annular groove 12 and the slider 32 are interference-fitted to prevent the slider 3 from sliding and changing position at will, which would cause the slow wave structure ring 4 to loosen. The outer circular surface of the slider 3 is provided with a marking line, which is flush with the end of the outer cylinder 1 at this time;

[0030] When the hollow circular waveguide 2 is screwed in, if the screwing depth is too large, the hollow circular waveguide 2 will push the slow wave structure ring 4 to move, which in turn will drive the limiting ring 31 to move. This causes the limiting ring 31 to drive the slide cylinder 3 and the slider 32 to move along the direction of the vertical groove 11, thereby causing the slider 32 to disengage from the position of the annular groove 12. At this time, the marking line on the outside of the slide cylinder 3 will disengage from the outer cylinder 1, allowing the operator to make timely adjustments and ensure safe installation. The design that the limiting ring 31 can move relative to the sleeve 5 can effectively prevent operator errors during the screwing in of the hollow circular waveguide 2, which could lead to excessive pressure between the limiting ring 31 and the hollow circular waveguide 2, thereby deforming the slow wave structure ring 4 located between them and affecting subsequent tests.

[0031] A method for using a high-power microwave generator that facilitates in-situ characterization of breakdown damage traces, the method comprising the following steps:

[0032] Step 1: Place multiple slow-wave structure rings 4 inside the sleeve 5, and then screw them into the hollow circular waveguide 2 through the thread. The hollow circular waveguide 2 will push the slow-wave structure rings 4 to move until the slow-wave structure ring 4 at the other end contacts the limiting ring 31. Stop rotating the hollow circular waveguide 2. At this time, the slow-wave structure rings 4 will contact each other. Then rotate the slide cylinder 3 so that the slider 32 slides into the annular groove 12 to prevent the slide cylinder 3 from disengaging and causing the slow-wave structure rings 4 to loosen. This forms a usable Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generator.

[0033] Step 2: Conduct high-power microwave experiments using the assembled Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generator;

[0034] Step 3: After the high-power microwave experiment, rotate the hollow circular waveguide 2 to detach it from the connecting ring 14. Then rotate the slide cylinder 3 so that the slider 32 is located in the vertical groove 11. Pull the slide cylinder 3 to detach it from the sleeve 5. Then the slow wave structure ring 4 can be taken out from both sides to disassemble the split slow wave structure.

[0035] Step 4: Place the slow-wave structure ring 4 on the sample stage of the scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy, and characterize its microstructure based on the scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy.

[0036] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0037] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A high-power microwave generator that facilitates in-situ characterization of breakdown damage traces, characterized in that: The system includes a high-frequency structure (6); the high-frequency structure (6) includes a sleeve (5); a split slow-wave structure is provided inside the sleeve (5), and an outer cylinder (1) is provided outside the sleeve (5); a sealing ring (13) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder (1), and a connecting ring (14) is fixedly connected to one side of the outer cylinder (1); the inner wall of the connecting ring (14) is connected to the hollow circular waveguide (2) by a thread; the inner wall of the other side of the outer cylinder (1) is provided with a vertical groove (11) parallel to its central axis and an annular groove (12) communicating with the vertical groove (11); a slider (32) is provided in the vertical groove (11) and the annular groove (12) for sliding cooperation with it, and the slider (32) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the slide cylinder (3); the slide cylinder (3) is slidingly cooperated with the sleeve (5) and the outer cylinder (1) through the gap, and a limit ring (31) is connected to the inner wall of the slide cylinder (3) through a bearing.

2. The high-power microwave generator for facilitating in-situ characterization of breakdown damage traces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The split slow wave structure is composed of multiple slow wave structure rings (4).

3. The high-power microwave generator for facilitating in-situ characterization of breakdown damage traces according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the slow-wave structure ring (4) is equal to the inner diameter of the sleeve (5).

4. The high-power microwave generator for facilitating in-situ characterization of breakdown damage traces according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The hollow circular waveguide (2) is coaxial with the sleeve (5).

5. The high-power microwave generator for facilitating in-situ characterization of breakdown damage traces according to claim 4, characterized in that: The hollow circular waveguide (2) and the limiting ring (31) are respectively abutted against the two ends of the split slow wave structure.

6. The high-power microwave generator for facilitating in-situ characterization of breakdown damage traces according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the limiting ring (31) comes into contact with the split slow wave structure, the slider (32) can slide into the annular groove (12).

7. The high-power microwave generator for facilitating in-situ characterization of breakdown damage traces according to claim 6, characterized in that: The outer side of the limiting ring (31) is provided with an arc groove (33), and a rotatable arc pull rod (34) is provided in the arc groove (33).

8. The method of using the high-power microwave generator for facilitating in-situ characterization of breakdown damage traces according to claim 7, characterized in that: The method of use includes the following steps: Step 1: Assemble multiple slow-wave structure rings (4) to form a usable Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generator; Step 2: Conduct high-power microwave experiments using the assembled Cherenkov-type high-power microwave generator; Step 3: After the high-power microwave experiment, the split slow-wave structure is disassembled; Step 4: Place the slow-wave structure ring (4) on the sample stage of the scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer, and characterize its microstructure based on the scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer.

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