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Re: A Puzzle
From: Richard Wayne Wall[SMTP:rwall-at-ix-dot-netcom-dot-com]
Sent: Monday, September 08, 1997 4:50 PM
To: Tesla List
Subject: Re: A Puzzle
9/8/97
Bert wrote:
snip
>> As others on the list have pointed out, there are environmental
>> factors outside and adjacent to the TC which influence spark
>> formation. These factors regulate formation of the ion channel.
>> Electrostatic ionization of air molecules produces energetic charged
>> particles and electrons which constitute the ion cloud. Once
>> formed, these charged particles may move under the influence of
>> electrostatic fields. Current is produced only by movement of
>> charged mass particles. This is a very important EM concept. These
>> currents are usually local and are in response to movement of
>> charged masses due to local electrostatic gradients. RWW
>I completely agree.
Again, considerable progress is being made. Bert's acceptance that
current is produced only by movement of charged mass particles and that
this is a very important EM concept is very important in describing
discharges from a TC resonator. Also, critical is recognition of the
concept that electrostatic ionization of air molecules produces
energetic charged particles and electrons which constitute an ion
cloud. Once formed, these charged particles may move under the
influence of electrostatic forces.
A major remaining difficulty is that it "takes a heavy spike of
current to initiate a streamer or extend it". It's as if after all
ionization is admittedly initiated by power from the TC electrostatic
fields, then suddenly current magically takes over and extends the
streamer. After all, it's readily admitted "distorted high voltage
fields created between the streamer tips and space charge do the "dirty
work" of ionizing the air in advance of the streamer". Why then the
sudden switch from ES power to a slug of current? It's been clearly
admitted that ES fields cause ionization and formation of charged
particles and these same ES forces cause movement of these charged
mass particles. Furthermore, current is produced only by movement of
charged mass particles. These particles, of course, are electrons
and charged ionic particles, again produced by TC ES fields. And, it's
also admitted current doesn't cause the ionization.
Current is not a physical "thing" that possesses physical
characteristics. Current contains no power or energy per se. Current
is a dynamic description of events associated with electromagnetic
energy flow. Current is dynamic and is inextricably coupled to a
varying electric field. Current is dynamic and cannot exist without
its electric field to which it always coupled. Current cannot exist in
a static condition, as electrostatic electrical energy may. Current
results from a moving charged mass and is an effect. Current is not a
cause or precursor and cannot exist alone in and of itself. Current
may not arise de nouveau and impart energy to a static charged mass.
Current by itself cannot do work, transfer energy or provide power.
Current is not the prime electrical mover.
Charge is.
Current is a useful EM concept and certainly should not be discarded.
However, it has strict descriptive limitations and defining
characteristics. As such, look a little deeper under your TC discharge
current and discover where the power really comes from.
A "slug" of current, in and of itself, does not arise and support or
extend a streamer or a TC power arc. Current is always coupled to and
powered by the electrostatic fields provided by the resonator's
termination. Only electrostatic fields arising from the terminaton
power TC discharges.
snip
>There's over 50+ years of experimental evidence confirming both
>initial Townsend AND Streamer propagation mechanisms in long spark
>formation. Are you saying that this is an outmoded EM concept?
If the theory is that multiampere current is responsible for initiation
and maintenance of TC resonator discharges, yes. Long standing
theories of experimental evidence are not at all impressive if they are
incorrect. All concepts eventually become outmoded if they are
incorrect. Replaced by more correct concepts and theory. Repeat.
Bert, thank you for your keen and inquiring intellect and for keeping
this discussion as a calm and even discourse.
RWW