Almeida, P. G. C.Almeida, R. M. S.Ferreira, N. G. C.Naidis, G. V.Benilov, M. S.2022-07-132022-07-132020Almeida, P. G. C., Almeida, R. M. S., Ferreira, N. G. C., Naidis, G. V., & Benilov, M. S. (2020). Simple computation of ignition voltage of self-sustaining gas discharges. Plasma Sources Science and Technology, 29(12), 125005.http://hdl.handle.net/10400.13/4403A robust, fast, and accurate numerical method is proposed for finding the voltage of the ignition of DC self-sustaining gas discharges in a wide range of conditions. The method is based on physical grounds and builds up from the idea that the ignition of a self-sustaining gas discharge should be associated with a resonance that would occur in a non-self-sustained discharge in the same electrode configuration. Examples of the application of the method are shown for various configurations: parallel-plate discharge, coaxial and wire-to-plane corona discharges, and a discharge along a dielectric surface. The results conform to the conventional Townsend breakdown condition for the parallel-plate configuration and are in good agreement with existing experimental data for the other configurations. The method has the potential of providing a reference point for optimization of the hold-off capability of high-power switchgear operating in low-frequency fields.engGas discharge modellingDischarge ignitionSelf-sustainment conditionBreakdown.Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenhariajournal article10.1088/1361-6595/abbf91