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Matrices whose rows (or columns) consists of monomials of sequential powers are called Vandermonde matrices and can be used to describe several useful concepts and have properties that can be helpful for solving many kinds of problems. In this thesis we will discuss this matrix and some of its properties as well as a generalization of it and how it can be applied to curve fitting discharge current for the purpose of ensuring electromagnetic compatibility.

In the first chapter the basic theory for later chapters is introduced. This includes the Vandermonde matrix and some of its properties, history, applications and generalizations, interpolation and regression problems, optimal experiment design and modelling of electrostatic discharge currents with the purpose to ensure electromagnetic compatibility.

The second chapter focuses on finding the extreme points for the determinant for the Vandermonde matrix on various surfaces including spheres, ellipsoids, cylinders and tori. The extreme points are analysed in three dimensions or more.

The third chapter discusses fitting a particular model called the p-peaked Analytically Extended Function (AEF) to data taken either from a standard for electromagnetic compatibility or experimental measurements. More specifically the AEF will be fitted to discharge currents from the IEC 62305-1 and IEC 61000-4-2 standards for lightning protection and electrostatic discharge immunity as well as some experimentally measured data of similar phenomena.