[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]

Modulated Spark Gap.


----------
From:  Jim Monte [SMTP:JDM95003-at-UCONNVM.UCONN.EDU]
Sent:  Tuesday, August 18, 1998 6:58 PM
To:  tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject:  Re: Modulated Spark Gap.


Not to be discouraging, but I don't think that this gap would perform
well.  A RSG quickly goes from conducting to non-conducting because the
rotor is spinning at a constant speed, which abruptly opens and closes
the spark gaps.  With a solenoidal driver, the gaps will open and close
more slowly.  After all, the velocity of the moving electrode must be
0 when it is fully opened or closed since there is a direction reversal
at each instant.

Jim Monte

>From:  Marcus Young [SMTP:MEYoung-at-uq-dot-net.au]
>Sent:  Tuesday, August 18, 1998 1:07 AM
>To:  Tesla List
>Subject:  Modulated Spark Gap.
>
>Hello All,
>
>Ive long been considering an idea for a spark gap with very prescise control.
>It occured to me that controlling the movement in a gap could be achived
>using the movement of a  powerful voice coil and AF amplifier. This could be
>used to trigger sparking.
>I have thought that an AF voice coil/solenoid could push and pull on the
>outer edge of
>a centrepivoted disc via an insulating rod of some type, kinda like a
>piston wheel.
>A disc with electrodes arranged about the perimiter much as a rotary gap
>has, but far,
>far lighter in construction as centrifugal forces wont really be an issue.
>Stationary electrodes would be positioned just outside the sparking range
>of their 'humming'
>counterparts while while at their resting positions. The 4 electrodes would
>be configured so
>as to fire a series break of 8 gaps.
>Ive just never been sure what kind of solenoid/VC and amplifier Ide need to
>move the small
>but nasty weight of around four 4.5mm dia tungsten slugs back and forth 5mm
>or so at
>0-1000Hz + without distortion.
>There are 3 main advantages to this system, but also a few problems..
>Advantages:
>1) Exactly controlled and easily measurable break rate/frequency with an AF
>gen.
>2) 'On the go' controll over minimum gap distance by controlling amplitude.
>3) Easy to reference frequency to mains for perfectly phase-synchronous
>operation (if desired)
>*Maybe theres some advantage with different wave shapes but some things
>are just meant for the lab...:)
>
>Disadvantages:
>The problem with this gap is when you try to air quench it, this will most
>probaly
>cause problems with movement if the blast is as stong as it would probably
>need to be.
>*sigh* Any ideas anyone?
>Has anyone ever made anything like this? It seems to have promise. I'm just
>not in the
>position to build one right now.
>
>Marcus
>
>ICQ!  #15089999