Spark Gap Insulator Wall Survivability
Abstract
Various insulator materials, including acrylic plastic, fused silica, Transite (an inexpensive asbestos-cement), and Pyrex have been investigated to determine their abilities to survive the hostile environment of a gas-filled spark gap operating at 8 kJ and 0.4C per pulse and 40 kA peak current at repetition frequencies up to a few tens of hertz. Damage mechanisms observed have included mechanical fracture, softening and deformation, ablation, crazing, current tracking, electrode-material deposition, and UV solarization. The acrylic walls failed from softening and ablation, the Transite from current tracking between Iaminations, and the fused silica from mechanical fracture. The Pyrex walls have darkened from deposits but are still running. Good results have been obtained with Pyrex, a composite wall of acrylic and Transite, and acrylic alone with the electrodes liquid-cooled.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA638237
Entities
People
- William Wright Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army Communications-Electronics Command