The effect of electrical parameters on the simulated spark gap discharge current

Abstract

In this article, the effects of electrical parameters on the spark gap discharge current formation are reported. Using the finite element method to solve for the electric potential and field simulates the discharge process in two- and three-electrode spark gaps using nitrogen gas. The effects of the electrical components on the discharge current buildup and switch closing time for the two switches are investigated. Simulation results for different values of series resistance, capacitance, and inductance are presented for the two-electrode spark gap. In the case of three-electrode spark gaps, the effects of the series resistance, inductance, capacitance, and the resistance and the capacitance of the trigger branch circuit on the discharge current are investigated. The effect of the trigger voltage on the discharge current buildup and arc formation time is also described for the triggered spark gap trigatron. It has been noticed that for both spark gaps the series inductance could severely limit the current buildup rate.