Publications

Hydrodynamic Loading of Structural Components Due to Electrical Discharge in Fluids

Wakeland, P.; Kincy, M.; Garde, J.

Electrical discharge in a fluid produces a transient pressure wave, which should be taken into account when designing structural components of pulsed power machines. By combining theoretical approaches for underwater explosive theory with a self-consistent approach for modeling water as a compressible non-flow material, finite element models can be used to investigate mechanical response to arc driven pressure waves. Water switch testing included impulse measurements of both multiple and single arc gaps to compare with theory. Pressure wave interactions seen in computer models were in good agreement with peak pressures measured from a three-electrode water switch. Pressure measurements from a single electrode water switch were in close approximation to predictions based on explosive theory. Structural damage tests were also conducted in which damage to machine parts were related to arc energies.