a full-circuit numerical calculation model of the discharge branch and the single-stage cavity of linear transformer driver (LTD) is established. The self-consistent simulation from discharge branches to the LTD cavity is realized by combining experimental results from spark channel resistance tests of gas switches and discharge characteristic tests of the LTD cavity. The results show that the output characteristics of the LTD cavity can be accurately predicted by taking into account the dynamic characteristics of the spark channel resistance of gas switches
the electromagnetic coupling between the discharge branches
and the triggering closed time of gas switches. When the LTD cavity is charged at ±100 kV
the peak output power is 82 GW
and the resistance load energy efficiency is about 80%; meanwhile
the energy loss ratio due to gas switch spark channel resistance is 5.7%. The single-stage LTD full-circuit simulation method established in this paper lays a foundation for the simulation of LTD pulsed power devices.