Registration is now open for the 3DEXPERIENCE Modeling and Simulation Virtual Conference (ModSim) on November 17-18, 2020. This global conference will inspire users to design and innovate the next generation of products by offering learning opportunities through user presentations on industry applications, product and technology updates. Below is an interview with one of the academic speakers, Han Shan, giving insight on what she will present at the conference.

What is the title of your presentation?

Title: Modelling and Simulation of Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) Generator with CST MICROWAVE STUDIO.

Summary: An approach for modelling and simulation of an Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) generator with CST Microwave Studio is presented. The EMP generator is activated by photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSS). In the CST simulation, the EMP generator is performed with high voltage (HV) being applied to the various electrodes and integrated PCSS acts as switches for initiating EMP generation. The PCSS is modelled as a discrete excitation voltage source with a time dependent resistance. A prototype of the EMP generator was fabricated and testing performed with prototype was in good agreement with the simulation results. The proposed EMP generator could be revised to use in various applications.

Highlights:

• CST MICROWAVE STUDIO provided an excellent platform for designing, analyzing and optimizing the EMP system.
• Establishment of the modeling of PCSS and DC input in CST.
• Energy and frequency are tunable by adjusting the dimension of the EMP system, so that the EMP could be advised to use in various application like processing of materials, Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system etc.

Please describe why you chose this topic for your project.  Why does this workflow need to be analyzed?

Simulation helps on understanding the EMP work principles and lead to the prototype. In the EMP system, PCSS acting as the switch is an important parameter that affect the system’s performance. To ensure the accuracy of the simulation results, PCSS switching profile modeling becomes the main concern and it must match the characteristics of the PCSS devices.

Why is your presentation relevant to this event’s audience? What are three main takeaways the audience can expect at the conclusion of your presentation?

EM simulation plays an important role in the workflow of EMP event. In this presentation, we explore how EMP can be modeled in CST Microwave studio.

Three main takeaways:

• Serving as switch, PCSS can be modeled as discrete excitation voltage source with a time dependent resistance by defining the channel with variable conductivity in the simulation.
• To prevent energy oscillation at the beginning of charging process, a smooth ramped turn on profile of DC input is required.
• Specific energy and frequency could be achieved by adjusting the dimension of EMP generator. the EMP could be used in various EM application. design and innovate the next generation of product, application.

What do you see are the benefits of someone listening to your presentation?

The showcases of EMP modelling and simulation will expand their knowledge in relation to current EMP application and technology, and further inspire the researchers to innovate new application or product of next generation. We are open to exchange of ideas and collaborations.

What were the advantages of using simulation in your project?

The modelling and simulation work help us to understand the fundamental principle of the EMP generator under the PCSS initiation concept and optimization of the system design. The potential issues can be identified and mitigated early in the design process. Hence, the number of physical prototypes required for experimentation is drastically reduced.

Why did you choose SIMULIA over other simulation products?

To identity the important parameters affecting the performance of the EMP Generator design and to achieve the desired objectives, effect of structure dimensions of initial design must be studied systematically with intensive simulation and analysis work. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an efficient way of simulation the EMP system. The acceleration token allows the CST simulation to work efficiently and cut down in computational time.

Do you feel that learning simulation skills in University will provide you with an advantage in your career? Please explain.

Definitely.  Like other technical skills, simulation skills can expand professional competency and allow us to perform the job well. The simulation skills can be applied to progress in the career and expanded to earn a job in different filed or industry. The more advanced in performing certain skills, the more likely to progress in a job.

Han Shan is a Research Associate at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She works in the group of Asst. Prof Holden Li, and her current research project is focused on the antenna design with high power electromagnetic pulse application and I-V characterization of GaAs photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS). Han Shan also works on the microfluidic-based biosensor for point-of care clinical screening and medical diagnostics.

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