Simulation of Current Waveforms in High Voltage Spark Sources III: Numerical Integration and Inclusion of Gap Dynamic Impedance

Abstract

Procedures for simulating discharge currents and voltages in an adjustable waveform spark source are outlined, and comparisons are made between simulated and observed data. Bulirsch-Stoer numerical integration is used to allow solution of the requisite nine simultaneous differential equations. An approximate gap model is employed which demonstrates how dynamic gap properties may be incorporated into modeling. This provides a mechanism for coupling fundamental physical knowledge of gap processes to electrical engineering considerations in source design. Comparison to earlier work involving closed form solution of simpler models is made.