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Gap models
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From: Bill the arcstarter [SMTP:arcstarter-at-hotmail-dot-com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 1998 8:14 AM
To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com; bert.hickman-at-aquila-dot-com
Subject: Gap models
Bert Hickman wrote:
>As I'm sure you know, modeling a spark gap is not a trivial task, and
>even the best models are only approximations due to the various
>non-linear characteristics! As a first approximation, try using
>back-to-back series connected 5-8 volt zener diodes in series with a
>controlled switch - and set the model so that the switch opens only
>when
>the primary energy (1/2 LI^2 + 1/2 CV^2) is zero. BTW, what value
>of
I don't think the gap completely opens when the net primary energy is
zero. It seems to open earlier. If I had to model it I suppose I'd
examine the peak primary current - once the peak drops below a certain
(arbitrary) value per cycle - the gap goes fully open. For example -
if you operate a coil in 'single-shot" mode, ie slowly charge the cap up
using DC until the gap fires, you will find that the cap still contains
some energy.
(Those retentive mathemeticians would also point out that, for a damped
lossy system, the net energy is *never* zero, but is actually an
exponentially decreasing function which approaches zero. But I won't
mention that. :) )
For the particular experiments I did, the cap ended up with about 80-100
volts, down from about 15000 (gaps fired at 15000). Another thing -
final voltage was randomly either positive or negative - depending on
exactly when the gap decided to quench out.
Alternately, you could set the gaps wide, and charge up the cap. Then
remove the charger and trigger the gap. I did this once by dropping
some iron filings through the gap, but there are certainly more elegant
ways of accomplishing this!
I'm curious what other folk have used for a gap model...?
My $0.02. This is just one of many nasty nonlinearities of the tesla
spark gap.
-Bill (a.k.a. The Arcstarter)