Electromechanical shock in pulse power components

Most components used in high power pulse generators undergo mechanical shock stresses during the pulse or on its leading edge. As power densities become very high, this shock may lead to anomalous behavior as well as introduce failure modes that may not be immediately obvious. It was shown that acoustic shock waves traveling within spark gap electrodes can affect electrode erosion. A new point of view is required for component design where shock may be a critical factor. The mechanisms for generation of shock forces, both thermal and electromagnetic, are reviewed and applied to resistors, capacitors, magnetic devices and switches. The mechanisms described are square law effects and it is concluded that for high energy pulses, mechanical shock stress is a critical factor in component survival.