High-current and high-voltage pulsed testing of resistors

Three types of resistors have been tested to determine maximum usable power at pulsed high voltage and pulsed high current. Experiments were carried out using high-voltage cable generators, spark-gap generators, and thyratron drivers. Pulse durations were varied from 0.7 μs to 21 μs. The pulse amplitudes were varied from 1 kV to 35 kV. The peak current reached was 3 kA. Metal film, carbon film, and carbon composition resistors of four different rated powers (0.25 W, 0.5 W, 1 W, and 2 W) have been tested. Data are given for the limiting pulsed power and energy for each type of resistor in nanosecond and microsecond time ranges. The experimental investigation of the threshold loading of the resistors in the high-current pulsed mode and in the high-voltage pulsed mode has shown that the process of destruction of resistors has specific features for each mode. The mechanisms of failure and destruction of resistors under the action of high-voltage and high-current pulses are discussed.