Energy Discharge - Foil Test Characteristics

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

Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <teslalist-at-qwest-dot-net>" <dhmccauley-at-spacecatlighting-dot-com>

A common method of determining discharge energy is performing what is called
a "foil test."  Basically, a thin sheet of aluminum foil or similar is taped
across a surface which is then charged up to a high potential and then
discharged.  The size of the hole in the aluminum foil can then be measured
and the resulting energy in joules and/or current can be determined through
the discharge path.

How uncommon are the methods to calculate the actual energy discharge using
the size of the hole and thickness of aluminum (or other material).
Anyone have any additional information regarding this test?

Thanks

The Captain