Calculation of Electrical Breakdown in Gases
Abstract
A brief review of the basic processes leading to electrical breakdown in gases is given. Formulae are derived for calculating the breakdown voltages of tubes filled with noble or molecular gases. An electronic computer program for calculating complete voltage versus current density static characteristics is outlined. The calculated lowering of the breakdown voltage with increased ultraviolet irradiation of the cathode illustrates the utility of the time-independent computer program. The actual breakdown transition is calculated using the Townsend model, as modified by space charge, in a dynamic computer program. The agreement of the calculations with published breakdown data is excellent, even for the short breakdown times previously thought explainable only by gas photoionization streamers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 10, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0430336
Entities
People
- A. L. Ward
Organizations
- Harry Diamond Laboratories