Computer simulation of the discharge process of a capacitor bank through a sample in the form of a copper wire

A comprehensive study was carried out by numerical (mathematical) and simulation (computer) modeling of the discharge process of a capacitor bank through a sample in the form of a copper wire in an installation for studying the effect of electroplasticity. The electroplastic effect is a phenomenon in which the yield strength decreases under the influence of electric current. A patented installation for studying the effect of electroplasticity is presented. The first results performed at this installation have been obtained, which relate to comparing the degree of influence of the electroplasticity effect on copper and aluminum samples. Due to the higher electrical conductivity and lower skin effect of the copper samples, the effect of electroplastic deformation in them was more evident, as a result of which it was decided to begin more detailed studies with samples in the form of copper wire. Differential equations describing the current curves obtained when a charged battery of capacitors is discharged through a sample in the form of a copper wire without taking into account changes in the internal structure of the samples are given. Using the least squares method and the discrete Fourier transform, the inductance and resistance parameters of the entire system were estimated, respectively. The total capacity of the capacitor bank is determined numerically, with an error of no more than 2%. Two identical simulation models have been developed for the calculated parameters in the MatLab software package and the SimInTech environment, consisting of RLC elements connected in series, measuring units (ammeter and voltmeter) and oscilloscopes. The simulation results are compared with the current curve obtained during field tests under the same initial conditions. Conclusions are drawn about the almost complete prediction by both models of parameters such as the peak current value and pulse length within the error limits of the measuring equipment.