The Barkhausen Method to Investigate Powerful Processes during Action of Piezoelectric Igniters

The Barkhausen method is proposed to clarify the cause of radiation of electromagnetic (EM) pulses during high voltage pulse generation by piezoelectric igniters (PIs). Wide bandwidth of the experimental setup was narrowed for a simultaneous registration of electric and detected EM pulses by a two-channel oscilloscope. The PI was loaded on a high ohmic resistance and high voltage pulses of 8 – 17 kV amplitude and up to 150 ms in total duration were registered. These pulses contained a series of short pulses called Barkhausen type pulses. Duration of these pulses having the relatively high amplitude was 30 – 40 ns. The registration revealed that the radiating EM pulse series corresponded to Barkhausen type pulse series. Short non-radiating negative pulses appearing during the saturated voltage growth were also observed and they had relaxation tails. The analysis showed that the EM pulses are caused as a result of domain switching with high voltage spikes at the PZT cylinders bases, where high electric fields are created. The activity of these switchings weakens when the “age” of PIs increases. The non-radiated pulses resulted from fast internal screening processes in the volume of the cylinders, accompanied by the impact ionization. The increase of the saturation and PI’s “age” causes lengthening of the relaxation tails. The results of practical importance for PIs in monitoring systems are placed. It is concluded that the Barkhausen method in wideband configuration is a convenient experimental arrangement for investigation of powerful processes in ferro-piezoelectric ceramics.