Analysis of Shock Wave Overpressure Induced by Impulse Discharge Arc

In this paper, high power, high current gas switch is used as the site of impulse discharge arc. The explosion wave theory and the arc channel energy balance equation are introduced to analyze the development of the shock wave overpressure driven by high current impulse discharge arc, and the demarcation point of arc channel is given, from which the energy of the arc channel is no longer converted into shock wave. Through the analysis and calculation, it is found that the magnitude of the shock wave overpressure caused by impulse discharge arc expansion is closely related to the arc current rising rate. Shock wave overpressure will experience a slow decay and then a rapid decay process. The study of this paper will perform the function of deepening the understanding of the physical nature of impulse arc discharge, which can be used to explain the damage effect of high current impulse discharge arc.