Effects of bending in a stacked, parallel-plate Blumlein pulse forming line

Summary form only given. Our present research focuses on making high-energy-density Blumlein-based pulse-forming line (BPFL) more compact. One of the design issues is how to create a sufficiently long pulse and minimize the dimensions of the BPFL. Until more advanced dielectrics become practical, one approach is to take a straight line made using traditional dielectrics and bend. However, it was noted that such a folded assembly exhibits characteristics different from a straight one. First, the pulse duration of the folded BPFL appears to be slightly longer than the pulse of the straight line. Second, upon close inspection of the waveform portion just before the rising edge of the pulse, differences become evident. Apparently, the bends in the structure produce some difference with respect to a straight BPFL. This presentation will describe the results of electromagnetic simulations that are used to study this problem and assess how bends in the BPFL affect the proper matching between the line and the load.