Investigations of power follow-current phenomena using a synthetic power source

Criteria for the development of a follow-current arc in a rodgap sparked over by the application of a high-voltage impulse were investigated, using a synthetic power source. The latter comprised atuned LC circuit, and could be adjusted to give a range of values forvoltage, current, impedance and frequency. The effects of these variables, and of the impulse waveform, on the development of follow-current arcs in rod gaps up to 10 cm spacing, are discussed.