Electric and magnetic flux compression theory for arbitrary large liner velocities

Theoretical analyses of the compression of axial (i) magnetic and (ii) electric fluxes by means of cylindrical liners are presented for arbitrary large implosion velocities v<c₀. For comparison, quasistatic theories of (i) magnetic and (ii) electric flux compression are given, which are good approximations for nonrelativistic liner speeds v≪c₀. For relativistic liner velocities, significant amounts of electromagnetic radiation would be generated in magnetic or electric flux compression. Relativistic liners can eventually be realized by means of relativistic pulses of electrons of high density. During magnetic flux compression, electrical breakdown is prevented through magnetic self-insulation. The experimental field strengths achievable through electric flux compression are limited by electrical breakdown, since the condition for magnetic self-insulation is not satisfied.