[TCML] VSWR and Tesla Coils

["Gary Peterson" <g.peterson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Gary Lau asked "What parameters or features of a coil affect its VSWR?"

The paper "Multiple Resonances in RF Coils and the Failure of Lumped
Inductance Models" by K.L. Corum, P.V. Pesavento, J.F. Corum [
http://www.nedyn.com/TeslaIntlSymp2006.pdf ] discusses voltage step-up along
velocity inhibited quarter-wave resonators by helical transmission line
VSWR.

Abstract - The electrical properties of RF coils are deduced from the
boundary value solution of Maxwell's equations. In the 1890s Tesla
concluded, on the basis of experiment, that very large voltages were
attainable on helical resonators through the mechanism of wave interference
and standing wave phenomena.  For such structures lumped element circuit
analysis fails because its inherent presuppositions are inadequate.  In the
limit, as the frequency is lowered, the mode distribution becomes uniform
and the RF solution passes to conventional lumped circuit elements.  This
passage is demonstrated analytically. Experimental measurements are employed
to support Tesla's assertions.
  
Keywords - coil, helix, surface wave, resonator, inductor, Tesla.

Gary Peterson


-----Original Message-----

I agree that breakout and sparks are counterproductive to lighting
fluorescent lights, but I'm not sure that the concept of VSWR is even
applicable to Tesla coils.  How would that be measured or optimized?  My
understanding of SWR is limited; I thought it had something to do with how
closely the load impedance in matched to the transmission line impedance -
things I've never before heard mentioned in the context of Tesla coils.
What parameters or features of a coil affect its VSWR?

How does silver tinned (?) wire affect VSWR?  I've not heard that it makes a
practical difference, performance-wise.

Regards, Gary Lau
MA, USA



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