HIGH ENERGY DENSITY CAPACITORS.

Three dielectric systems deemed capable of providing discharge capacitors of minimum weight were selected from many possible dielectric systems after the following series of eliminative evaluations 1 A theoretical equation based upon general discharge characteristics and energy density considerations was developed to relate stored energy in a capacitor as a function of its mass to the properties of its dielectric material. 2 Figures of merit for approximately 80 different dielectric systems were calculated from the equation in 1 using empirical data. 3 The calculated figures of merit were compared with that figure of merit required for a dielectric system to store 200 joules at 2500 volts in 1.5 pounds. Fourteen dielectric systems were selected for further study. 3 The 14 dielectric systems were reduced to 8 on the basis of relative value. The 8 dielectric systems were then graded on the basis of availability of material and current knowledge of fabrication techniques. From this group were selected the three dielectric systems described in this report. Author