Magnetic Flashover Inhibition Testing of High Power Vacuum-Insulator Interfaces
Abstract
University of Missouri Terawatt Test Stand, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Missouri Â- Columbia, Columbia, MO. Flashover occurring at vacuum-insulator interfaces is a common problem in the design of high power pulsed power machines. Avalanche breakdown might be prevented on the insulator surface by taking advantage of the E × B force to bend the path of electrons away from the insulator. Magnetic flashover inhibition (MFI) has been demonstrated [1]; however particular breakdown conditions such as the ratio of E/B are not well known. An inductive load to test the conditions under which MFI occurs is being designed for the MU Terrawatt Test Stand (MUTTS). The test stand can provide a 150 ns pulse at 2.7MV and 400kA peak and can accommodate an adjustable design load. Details of the load design will be presented as well as theoretical analysis of the experimental circuit and of the physics of magnetic flashover insulation. [1] J.P. VanDevender, D.H. McDaniel, E.L. Neau, R.E. Mattis, K.D. Bergeron, "Magnetic Inhibition of Insulator Flashover", Journal of Applied Physics 53(6), June 1982
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Plasma Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- November 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004APS..DPPEP1085B