An Analysis of the Frequency Characteristics of Corona Discharge at Low Pressure.

Abstract

Corona discharge is becoming more of a concern now that the space program is looking at higher power and voltage requirements for future missions. Improved detection methods for studying corona discharge will increase the knowledge base of how this phenomenon occurs, what effects it has on power systems, and how it is affected by outside influences. A better understanding of corona discharge will enable designers to improve on the space applications of insulation and dielectrics, and develop proper detection techniques. A test system was designed and constructed to measure the frequency spectrum of corona discharge current in low pressure. Various test samples in different arrangements were energized by ac voltage until corona discharge occurred. This same test was repeated at different pressures. The results indicate that the frequency spectrum of the discharge current changes with a change in pressure. At low pressures, the discharge frequency spectrum is concentrated in a narrow band with a peak at 17 kHz. As the pressure is increased, the spectral width increases to include components across a much broader band. Other tests were performed to correlate the frequency spectrum data to the shape of the discharge pulse and the physical appearance of the glow discharge. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA239940

Entities

People

  • George G. Karady
  • Murray D. Sirkis
  • T. G. Lewis

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Bandwidth
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Dielectrics
  • Emission
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Bands
  • Frequency Response
  • Glow Discharges
  • Governments
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Repetition Rate
  • Space Charge
  • Spectra
  • Surface Properties
  • Transmission Lines

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster