Rise and delay time of a vaccum gap triggerd by an exploding wire

Abstract

Detailed investigations on the rise time (t?) and delay time of a vacuum gap employing an entirely new type of trigger mode using an exploding wire have been reported in this thesis for the first time. A large quantity of data has been collected on the behaviour of t? and t_d as a function of energy invested into the exploding wire (E_g). The results of t? are explained on the basis of propagating plasma fronts and pre-breakdown currents. The complex behaviour of t_d has been explained on the basis of (a) varying proportions between the metal clumps and vapour, and (b) change in the degree of ionisation in the exploding wire metal plasma as E_g is varied. The present investigation has given good insight into vacuum breakdown mechanism, and this new triggered vacuum gap using exploding wire holds good promise in inductive energy storage systems.