Analysis of Time-Dependent Characteristics for a Pseudospark Discharge in Air

The time-dependent resistive voltage and resistance of a pseudospark discharge in air are obtained by solving the equivalent circuit equation using the measured values of the discharge current and breakdown voltage. The pulsed, underdamped discharge currents ranging from about 30 to 100 A are investigated. The gas pressures are changed from 0.005-0.1 torr. These discharges can be characterized by three phases: Initial phase, quasi-stationary phase, and relaxation phase. The quasi-stationary phase occurs near the time of the current maximum. The variations of the resistive pseudospark voltage are similar to those observed in a spark discharge. This can explain the spark-like behavior of a pseudospark discharge. Details of the current-voltage characteristics and resistance are presented in this paper.