Calculation of Discharge Current Waveforms in High Voltage Spark Sources. II. Extensions and Limitations of Closed-Form Solution

Abstract

Simulation of gap breakdown and dynamic impedance effects in high voltage spark sources is performed using an algebraically exact solution to an approximate model of source behavior. The importance of diode shunt capacitance in determining gap breakdown behavior is shown. Limitations in generality and implicit use of numerical methods in dynamic situations lead naturally to consideration of numerical integration methods. Comparisons to hardware sources are made.