Re: [TCML] Jacob's Ladder

[FIFTYGUY@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 2/5/09 1:22:39 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
resonance@xxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

>It  would not work as well.  Multipliers multiply potential but  reduce
>current.  It's current that puts the flame in a climbing  arc.

   I would say that it is *power* that determines the size of the  arc more 
than anything else.
 
   Higher open-circuit voltage starts and maintains the arc  easier, but 
under careful conditions, the ultimate (Jacob's Ladder) arc length  is pretty much 
the same for a given power level. Flame "width" is about the same  at a given 
power level regardless of voltage as well.
 
   Just my experience...
 
   The problem with voltage multipliers is that the multiplier  sees the JL 
arc as a short circuit, which dumps the stored energy in the  multiplier 
capacitors into the arc, but leaves the multiplier output at a low  voltage until 
all the caps recharge. Then the cycle repeats. During the  discharge the spark 
is very bright and loud, but so brief that the arc doesn't  climb 
significantly. And the charging cycle usually takes so long that the  JL quenches and the 
arc has to re-start at the bottom. This kinda defeats the  "climbing arc" point 
of the whole JL experience.
    If you run the multiplier with relatively small  capacitors, or power the 
multiplier with a relatively hefty source, then you can  maintain the arc 
output in a way that it will climb. Multipliers are generally  more efficient at 
higher frequencies as well, and higher frequencies might keep  the 
charge/discharge cycles brief enough that the multiplier can keep the  arc going and 
climbing. 
 
-Phil LaBudde

Center for the Advanced Study of Ballistic  Improbabilities
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