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FW: spark shape observation
From: Malcolm Watts [SMTP:MALCOLM-at-directorate.wnp.ac.nz]
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 1997 4:40 PM
To: Tesla List
Subject: Re: spark shape observation
Hi Kevin,
> From: kevin[SMTP:wawa-at-spectra-dot-net]
> Sent: Saturday, November 08, 1997 10:58 AM
> To: Tesla List
> Subject: spark shape observation
>
> Previously, I have been using unsmooth forms for my coil (ie. foil
> covered ball, aluminum ducting). With this setup I get sparks from all
> the sharp points. A week or so ago, I got a Van De Graff from a friend,
> with a smooth aluminum sphere. That found its way right to the top of
> my tesla coil. Now when running, i get a few longer sparks that move
> all over the sphere. It's really great. Any way I noticed something
> I've never seen before. Usually, the sparks are very jittery and break
> apart and are all fragmented. But occasionally, the spark just
> straigtens right out so that it is one great long one. It just seems to
> stay in one place and it looks like it is flowing like water or
> something. Then after up to 6 or so seconds, it breaks off into what
> I'd say is normal operation. This seems very strange and intersting to
> me. Has anyone else ever noticed this? I've never read anything on
> this adn was wondering if someone could possibly explain it to me. It
> seems to me like it could be something important.
Yes. I can consistently do this using a spherical terminal.
Malcolm