Experimental, analytical and numerical study of the electromagnetic field distribution in pulsed power plasma stimulation (PPPS)

Abstract

Electromagnetic (EM) field generated during a pulsed power plasma discharge (PPPD) laboratory experiments was matched against an analytic solution, and numerically using a finite element module of the COMSOL RF software. The EM field was calculated during and after the plasma pulse. Agreement between the numerically and analytically calculated EM field with laboratory experimental measurements provides support for extension of the model to a larger scale and eventually to reservoir scale. The validated model was used to quantify the signal attenuation level in different media. The results of the comparative model show that different environments around the sample will have more impact on magnetic field transversely (perpendicular plane of current direction) than longitudinally within the sample domain. Existence of water (with higher electric permittivity) plays important role in signal penetration depth away from the source signal. This preliminary model provides the framework for future design of lager scale electromagnetic simulation of PPPS (Pulsed Power Plasma Stimulation) technique as source signal at various design configurations.