What causes of voltage runaway in series LC resonant circuit?

[HMS-776]

I'm trying to understand why the voltage in a series LC resonant circuit exponentially rises?

Can anyone explain exactly what happens that creates the effect?

I've been wonding if it the distributed capacitance of L becomes a voltage multiplier, or if it is a voltage wave reflection from a imperfectly matched impedance?

 

[vk6kro]

This only happens in simulators and only if you specify a circuit with no resistance in it.

Real series tuned circuits have some resistance.

The voltage magnification is equal to the ratio of X_L / R (where X_L is the reactance of the inductor) and this value is reached almost instantly.

 

[sophiecentaur]

Death to all uncontrolled simulators!
They have a lot to answer for.

 

[Windadct]

I wouldn't exactly say this can only happen in simulators - a tuned LC Ckt with external excitation ( like a radio signal) can easily generate enough V to damage the components. Had this happen once in a High Voltage Electrical substation where a parallel feed (not electrically connected) was able to excite an isolated portion of the substation - to Overvoltage condition.

When the isolated section ( now damaged by overvoltage) was re energized the result was - well - interesting...