Design of a 10MPa Nanosecond Gas Switch with Adjustable Gap

Abstract

This paper introduces a method to adjust the gap distance of nanosecond gas switch from outside when it is filled with high pressure gas. By using a two-stage planetary gear train and a pinion-and-rack device the gap between the electrodes can be linearly adjusted. The adjusting precision is 0.05 mm and adjustment range is 0 to 10 mm. The sealing of the insulator ring, rotation axle and outside conductors is designed. The performance of the rotation axle is pretty well under 12MPa gas pressure, air leakage not found. Experimental study on switch discharging is carried out by using a high voltage nanosecond pulse generator. The results show the output voltage of the pulse can reach 600kV by adjusting the switch gap. The rise-time of the pulse can be shortened form 3.5ns to 1ns.