Re: Spark plug experiment

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

Original poster: "Dave Lewis by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <hvdave-at-earthlink-dot-net>

Jim,

The arc over gap distance is a very strong function of electrode
geometry.  Sharp points are going to arc alot easier and at a larger
distance than smooth round surfaces.  You could probabbly get even
larger gap jumps with a couple of drywall screws.

For a TC gap, you want the arc to "go away" so your cap can re-charge
for another bang.  The fact that you had trouble blowing it out with
100psi does not bode well for TC use.  

I have seen others use spark plugs for excellent and cheap HV
feedthoughs though. 

Have fun,
Dave Lewis

Tesla list wrote:
> 
> Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>"
<jim-at-jlproduction-dot-com>
> 
> Hi all,
> I had some time today at work to mess around while pondering a new spark
> gap design.
> I was trying various metals (carbide, stainless, brass etc etc)
> hooked up to my spare 6VK/30ma NST to see what kind of gap it would
> cross. I then
> decided to try two spark plugs. I cut the side ground bracket off them
> and hooked
> them up in two simple "L" brackets.
> These things jumped a bigger gap than any of the other materials I tried
> and when I tried to blow them (the arcs) out with shop air I could not
> do it, even at great
> gap distances (like 3/8 inch or greater) using over 100 PSI.
> 
> This begs the question:
> Could I build a single gap system using two NON RESISTOR type spark
> plugs and use
> A air nozzle directly below to quench? Similar to the "air blast" gap
> seen here
> http://www.icorp-dot-net/users/kev/tesla/spark.htm
> Keep in mind spark plugs dissipate heat very well, can handle voltages
> over 250,000
> easily, and have fancy/exotic electrode materials that do not break down
> for a very long
> time. A two gap set up would also be easy to adjust and I have been told
> have better
> electric properties than a multi gap set up.
> 
> What say you all? I am VERY curious to hear the answers on this one.
> Jim