Re: Copper VS Steel

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: FutureT@xxxxxxx 

In a message dated 3/12/07 11:08:58 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
tesla@xxxxxxxxxx writes:

> 3) What does the term quenching refer to when speaking about spark gaps?
>
> Thanks for the informative help!
> Jim


Jim,

The capacitor charges to a certain voltage which causes the spark
gap to break down (to arc over).  Then the energy resonates in the
primary and transfers to the secondary.  Depending on coupling
and streamer (output sparks) loading, this energy gets used up
at some point.  Some energy may transfer back to the primary
and make a few round trips, but at some point the energy is
dissipated either in spark output, secondary, primary and
spark gap losses.  At this point the spark gap has to quench
or power arcing will occur.  In a power arc, the gap never
quenches, or takes much too long to quench.  The capacitor
can't charge again until the spark gap quenches and
re-establishes an open circuit at that point.  If the gap doesn't.
quench, efficiency will be extremely low.  Quenching will
normally occur automatically when the bang energy runs out.
Quenching refers to the cessation of arcing within the spark gap.
Normally the arc is not forced to quench in any particular way,
it just happens.  By using multiple gaps, or using a fan or
air blast cooling, this can help the gap to quench.  Cool gaps
quench more easily.  Hot gaps keep ions floating around or
promote ionization and make it harder for the gap to quench.

John


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