NANOSECOND PULSE BREAKDOWN.
Abstract
A model is developed which describes the spatial and temporal characteristics of atmospheric breakdown produced by the interaction of a high-power nanosecond pulse and free electrons produced in the atmosphere by cosmic radiation. It is shown that, although many breakdowns occur along the path of propagation, the pulse power loss due to scattering from the breakdown regions is tolerable for most cases of interest. Theoretical results are given for the pulse power loss for specific pulse characteristics. The results of experimental studies on the statistical time delay of gas breakdown in a spark gap are also presented. The data show that after extensive surface conditioning the statistical time delay does not continue to decrease and exhibits erratic variations. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0483411
Entities
People
- D. F. Mcdonald
- J. Cole Smith
Organizations
- Braddock Dunn & McDonald