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Breakdown Region

This section discusses setting up Breakdown Region feature that is a tool of CHARGE but uses the EMA3D solver to do so. This tool uses the solver to track the EM fields and their reaction with the background which can be set to have a non-linear response to provide a more realistic simulation with arcing phenomenon. Below you well see how to setup the tool for your simulation

To use this tool, you must first setup the simulation domain in the EMA3D tab which differs from that of CHARGE. If you have not set up your domain yet, use the link below to go to the domain initiation section of EMA3D.

Domain Image 16 EMA3D Domain

 

Once the domain within EMA3D has been set, the Breakdown Region Breakdown Region Image 24 button will be activated for you to select.

 

The Breakdown Region has 2 types, Air Chemistry and Threshold, and each have their own unique properties to be set.

 

Click on the Breakdown Region Breakdown Region Image 24 button in the Simulation section of the EMA3D tab. This will open up the Breakdown Region properties window, along with the region marker on your model and the tool buttons in the top left of the model window.

 

Air Chemistry

  1. Under Region Type, select Air Chemistry. This will bring up the specific properties for a background breakdown region that are described below:

    Air Chemistry Breakdown Region Properties

    Entry

    Meaning

    Relative Air Density

    Set the relative air density

    Water Content

    Set the water content or humidity for the background

    Time On

    Set the start time for the Breakdown Region

    Time Off

    Set the end time for the Breakdown Region

    Minimum

    The minimum x,y,z coordinates for the Breakdown Region

    Maximum

    The maximum x,y,z coordinates for the Breakdown Region

     

Threshold

  1. Under Region Type, select Threshold. This will bring up the specific properties for a background breakdown region that are described below:

    Threshold Breakdown Region Properties

    Entry

    Meaning

    Breakdown Threshold [V/m]

    The electric field strength at which arcing will occur in the ambient background

    Minimum

    The minimum x,y,z coordinates for the Breakdown Region

    Maximum

    The maximum x,y,z coordinates for the Breakdown Region

     

 

With the Breakdown Region and domain set, the user can now setup the radiation environment and/or sources.

Environment

Excitation

 

 

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