Voltage Recovery Time of Small Spark Gaps
Abstract
A two-pulse method is used to determine how fast and to what degree a small spark gap can recover its voltage holdoff capability after being discharged. The first pulse is used to overvolt and break down the g~p, and the second pulse is used, after a time delay, to determine the voltage holdoff of the ionized gap. By varying the time delay to the second pulse, a recovery voltage versus time plot can be obtained. Time delays from 10 (mu)s to 100 ms have been recorded. The spark gap discharges millijoules of energy with a gap spacing of less than 1 mm. Breakdown voltages of up to 10 kV have been achieved in a variety of gases. The experimental setup, pulse circuits, and data collection methods are described. Recovery voltage versus time plots for various parameters (gas species, gap spacing, pressure) are discussed along with their statistical variation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA639493
Entities
People
- Larry F. Rinehart
- Stuart L. Moran
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division