Re: science fair problem

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Jim Lux by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <jimlux-at-earthlink-dot-net>

But, as a science fair project, making systematic measurements is useful,
even if there are externalities over which you have no control, especially
if you explicitly recognize them.

Sure enough, measuring spark length is a challenge in itself (is it along
the spark, straight line distance to a ground, etc.), which is worthy of a
science project.  the important thing would be to standardize on something
that IS measureable.  Easy would be distance from a breakout point on the
toroid to a grounded vertical rod.  Hard would be using multiple cameras
and photogrammetry to measure the 3d path length (a worthy project in
itself for a doctoral thesis).

Once you've developed some experimental technique, then varying some input
parameter in a systematic manner would be straightforward.  Some analysis
(both before, based on literature and research, and after, based on
empirical data just collected) might provide insight into the underlying
phenomena (the science area), or just provide a handy empirical relation
(like spark length = 1.7*sqrt(VA)).

It all depends on the sophistication desired.  I would expect a lot more
rigor, analysis, and controlling of those other variables (i.e. bang size,
etc.) from someone at the ISEF than from a 5th grader at the local
elementary school.


Tesla list wrote:
> 
> Original poster: "Malcolm Watts by way of Terry Fritz
<twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <m.j.watts-at-massey.ac.nz>
> 
> Hi Jim,
>         Nice idea, but I fear it takes us firmly back into the realm
> of "science":
> 
> On 3 Oct 2001, at 16:36, Tesla list wrote:
> 
> > Original poster: "Jim Lux by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>"
> <jimlux-at-earthlink-dot-net>
> >
> > (Who is "me"?)
> >
> > If your fair allows "engineering" type projects (i.e. it doesn't require
> > the question/hypothesis/test/conclusions paradigm), then any number of
> > topics can be done:
> >
> > 1) Spark length as a function of applied AC voltage
> > 2) Spark length as a function of primary C
> > 3) Spark length as a function of topload size/shape
> > 4) Ozone production as a function of breakout vs non-breakout
> > 5) Sound level
> > 6) Streamer/Spark formation
> >
> > etc
> 
> This is a problem that has been debated at length. The hidden problem
> in those seemingly simple questions is to exclude all other variables
> from the mix - bang size, gap losses etc. etc. In essence, the basic
> question about spark length falls into the same category as "how long
> is a piece of string?" IMO. The real question perhaps is "what is the
> very best you can do?"
> 
> Regards,
> Malcolm
> 
> > Tesla list wrote:
> > >
> > > Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>"
> > <RQBauzon-at-aol-dot-com>
> > >
> > >     okay, it would sure impress everyone if i were to bring a tesla
coil to
> > > school. however, i wanna do this thing for a science project, and
first, i
> > > always have to state the "problem", or "question". i haven't got any
ideas
> > > for a "question". Have you?
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >                                                         Thanx,
> > >                                                         Me
> >
> >
> >
> >