Marx Generator

Author: Brian, Jay, Jimbo, & Tim

Also known as Erektatron, we have built a 10-stage 400kV Marx Generator which has been used for entertainment as well as research. Each stage consists of 15 40kV doorknob caps for a total of 30nF. All in all, it does not store that much energy.

Jimbo’s hand installing the last capacitor into the bank.

Striking an arc through a hair-thin tungsten wire.

The original concept drawing.

The acrylic stands offs installed.

The capacitors mounted.

Brian building up the charging ladder.

Brian tediously installing each layer’s charging system.

The internal chagrining ladder completed.

First discharges are a success!

Another one of our creations with a high visual science fiction coefficient.

The Marx Bank is being used for simulating a lightning strike for UMD Materials Science and Engineering students working on materials for windmill blades.