Calculating the Capacity of Blumlein Pfls Using a Finite Element Software Package

Determining the exact capacities of the components of the pulse forming network of the Blumlein based single pulse forming line (SPFL) machines at AWE is important when constructing detailed circuit models. It is often difficult to get reliable direct electrical measurements due to the scale of these machines, so calculated values have to be used. A 2D electrostatic code has been used to model a number of pulsed power machines at AWE and a method has been developed to ascertain the capacities of individual components. The generated values compare well with those that can be measured or estimated.