Current waveform and energy in surface discharges

Fast oscilloscope recordings of current wave shapes of surface discharges have been analyzed. An equivalent circuit is proposed, and its parameters are derived from the oscillograms. Equivalent electrical circuits of electrostatic discharges provide a realistic way to simulate discharges and to perform controlled laboratory tests. The equivalent circuit concept also gives an analytic expression of the discharge current, and thus it is possible to calculate and estimate the charge transfer integral i dt and the heat pulse integral i/sup 2/ dt. These results are highly valuable for risk assessment of both the incenditivity (i.e. dust and gas explosions) and the damage electrostatic discharges might cause to electronic devices.<>