Re: PSpice modeling of spark gaps

To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: Re: PSpice modeling of spark gaps
From: "Barton B. Anderson" <mopar-at-uswest-dot-net> (by way of Terry Fritz <terryf-at-verinet-dot-com>)
Date: Sat, 07 Nov 1998 06:46:12 -0700
Approved: terryf-at-verinet-dot-com

Gary,
Terry has come up with a break which models the gap well. This was done by
using an SBREAK which is pulsed (VPULSE). The parameters are editable. The
SBREAK open and close voltage is set via the SBREAK, but the repetition rate,
delay, etc..  is done via VPULSE variables. I would recommend downloading a
schematic to take a look at the setup. You can download my schematic at
http://www.geocities-dot-com/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/3108/simulation.htm . I have
Terry's pulsed sbreak in my schematic. Terry may also have uploaded his
pulsed sbreak on his page, but I'm not sure. The last time I was at Terry's
page, he did have my schematic uploaded which does show his pulsed sbreak
spark gap.
Bart

Tesla List wrote:

> Original Poster: Gary Lau  06-Nov-1998 1003 <lau-at-hdecad.ENET.dec-dot-com>
>
> I'm not aware of anyone who has found a good model for a spark gap.
> While this has not been an obsticle towards simulating most aspects of TC
> operation, it has resulted in a somewhat awkward model of using
> predesignated switch openings and closings to simulate gap conduction,
> and only 1-2 cycles of Fres can be run.
>
> Microsim PSpice comes with models for voltage controlled (Sbreak) and
> current controlled (Wbreak) switches, but the various parameters don't
> seem to be editable.  It seems like if they were, this would be the ideal
> way to model the dynamic behavior of a spark gap.  Does anyone know how
> to alter the default parameters of these models?
>
> Gary Lau
> Waltham, MA USA