Numerical simulation of the metal bridge foil explosion plasma ignition of B/KNO₃

Plasma ignition technology utilizes the plasma generated by an electrical explosion of a metal bridge foil under the action of a pulsed current to ignite an ignition charge. The plasma generated by the electrical explosion of a metal array bridge foil can be superimposed and converged to improve the energy utilization efficiency of the electrical explosion process and enhance the ignition capability. A multiphase-flow numerical calculation model of the electrical explosion plasma-ignition process was established, and numerical simulations were carried out. In the simulations, a plasma state equation that considers changes in the number of particles and the Coulomb interactions between particles was employed, and the Arrhenius law, which describes the exothermic heat of the ignition charge, was used. The ignition mechanism of the ignition charge under the action of plasma was analyzed, and the influences of the bridge foil structural characteristics on the ignition effect of the ignition charge were examined. The results of the calculations show that the plasma region, the plasma jet, and the pressure shock wave do not reach the ignition surface of the ignition charge when it is ignited. The ignition of the ignition charge is due to the thermal radiation process of the plasma. Compared to a single bridge foil, a metal array bridge foil has a larger plasma radiation region after an electrical explosion, and the ignition charge absorbs more energy from the plasma radiation, which is more favorable for ignition.