An Algorithm for Gas Breakdown Voltage Prediction in Low Pressure Gap

The prediction for low-pressure gas breakdown voltage in complex-structure electrodes has played a significant role in anti-breakdown design in a vacuum environment and in reducing the starting voltage of gas discharge. However, state-of-the-art methods cannot provide an effective and efficient calculation. For this purpose, the present study proposed an algorithm named, Breakdown Path Capture (BPC), which was based on the Monte-Carlo collisions model. This algorithm can determine the critical path to start a breakdown and calculate the breakdown voltage in complex-structure electrodes. In addition, gas breakdown tests were also employed in two typical application cases. According to the comparison between the test and calculation results, the computational error of BPC ranges within 7.8%-11.2%, and the time cost by BPC for each case in the present study was <15 seconds. Meanwhile, based on the test and BPC results, it was concluded that the critical breakdown path transfer can lead to a straight line in the breakdown voltage curve. The present study can provide a numerical method and theoretical reference for related applications.