Re: Metal Selection for gap.

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

Original poster: "Gerry Reynolds" <gerryreynolds-at-earthlink-dot-net> 

Hi Luke,

Specific heat has nothing to do with the heat transport mechanism.  Heat is
generally removed by conduction, convection, and radiation.  In this case,
convection is the primary means.  Thin boundary layer (between the electode
and air)  will improve heat transport (ie, more air flow - thinner boundary
layer).

Gerry R


 > Original poster: "Luke" <Bluu-at-cox-dot-net>
 >
 > After a short time the electrodes will fully heat up regardless of the
 > specific heat.  Never thought of it that way.
 >
 > So would a lower specific heat be able to move the heat into the air
 > more rapidly?  Since the surface of the electrode exposed to air would
 > release heat and be slightly cooler than the metal under the surface.
 > If the material had a lower specific heat, it would allow the heat
 > energy from beneath the surface to raise the temperature of the surface
 > quicker.  And since higher heat differential (surface to air) would mean
 > faster heat dissipation.
 >
 > Seems the lower specific heat would win out once the temperature
 > stabilized.
 >
 > Luke Galyan
 > Bluu-at-cox-dot-net
 > http://members.cox-dot-net/bluu