Re: Better Electrode Material

• To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
• Subject: Re: Better Electrode Material
• From: "Malcolm Watts" <malcolm.watts-at-wnp.ac.nz> (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>)
• Date: Wed, 24 May 2000 22:00:35 -0600
• Approved: twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net
• Delivered-To: fixup-tesla-at-pupman-dot-com-at-fixme

Hi Dave,

> Original Poster: "David Huffman" <huffman-at-fnal.gov> 
> 
> Hello All,
> Just a thought here. Has anyone ever tested the effect of various metals in
> a spark gap? I remember hearing zinc is bad for several reasons. Brass is
> zinc and copper so maybe it would not be the best choice. It would be nice
> to know the performance of a SG with different types of metals.
> Dave Huffman

In my experience, the higher the melting point the better. Such 
material allows easier quench. It is possible if not probable that lower 
melting point materials will lower gap dissipation somewhat but will be 
more difficult to quench. Anyway, you can reduce gap losses by 
making primary surge impedance high. 

Regards,
Malcolm

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