Numerical simulation of long laboratory sparks generated by positive switching impulses

A numerical methodology using two different leader channel criteria has been implemented. The methodology is based on Bondiou and Gallimberti's proposition [A. Bondiou, I. Gallimberti, Theoretical modelling of the development of the positive spark in long spark, J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 27 (1994) 1252–1266]. The leader channel criteria used are Rizk engineering criterion [Rizk, A model for switching impulse leader inception and breakdown of long air gaps, IEEE Trans. Power Deliv., 4(1) (1989)] and Local thermodynamic – L.T.E. – physical concept [I. Gallimberti, The mechanism of the long spark formation, Colloque C7, J. Phys. (supplement au nro 7, Tome 40) (July 1979) C7–193]. The methodology was tested in three different cases; a deterministic case, a statistical variation and a typical constant level test. Deterministic calculation considered corona inception using stabilization corona electric field criterion of Gallimberti [I. Gallimberti, The mechanism of the long spark formation, Colloque C7, J. Phys. (supplement au nro 7, Tome 40) (July 1979) C7–193] and the leader moving as segments. The statistical simulation has two different statistical delays, one at inception and the other due to the tortuous characteristics of the leader channel. The constant level test consists of 200 positive switching impulses with the same characteristics such as maximum applied voltage, time to crest and time to fall. Time to breakdown and breakdown voltage were found based on the results obtained from the constant level test characteristics. All the numerical results presented are based on experimental conditions reported in [Les Renardières Group, Research on long gap discharges at Les Renardières, Electra N 35 (1973)] from the world class research group namely Les Renardieres Group.