Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-2-2025

Abstract

Pulsed power involves accumulating large amounts of electrical energy and releasing it instantaneously. Large pulsed power accelerators use a vacuum insulator stack to facilitate power transfer from the liquid to vacuum section. Limiting the probability of surface flashover in this setting to acceptable levels improves machine longevity and prevents energy loss. Post-shot debris deposition requires a refurbishment process to prevent deterioration of dielectric performance, though the current technique of hand-sanding is long, labor-intensive, and pose serious health hazards. I have collected flashover data on frustrum-shaped Acrylic and C-Lec Rexolite® (cross-linked polystyrene) samples using a 500-kV, 20-ns risetime pulsed power test stand before and after undergoing novel cleaning techniques of pulsed laser cleaning (PLC) and flash lamp annealing (FLA). I then used an established statistical model to determine whether samples retained original flashover resistance post-debris contamination.

Keywords

Pulsed Power, Insulation, Flashover, Vacuum, Laser Cleaning, Flashlamp

Sponsors

Sandia National Laboratories

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Electrical Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Edl Schamiloglu

Second Committee Member

Dr. Adam Steiner

Third Committee Member

Dr. Mark Gilmore

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