The phenomenon of non-linear cathode-emitted particle self-acceleration ~in pulsed power supply switches\

Consideration is given to the process of cathode-anode gap overlap by a comparatively dense electron flow in pulsed power supply switches. A nonlinear nonsteady-state hydrodynamic theory of the process has been constructed. Discovered and investigated is the nonlinear phenomenon of electron self-acceleration owing to the interactions of their Coulomb fields. This phenomenon allows the electron front to overlap the cathode-anode distance in times that are short as compared to the single electron time-of-flight in an applied electric field.