Re: breakout voltage

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Dr. Resonance" <resonance-at-jvlnet-dot-com> 


If you are applying this to a Tesla coil, no, it is not at all accurate.  TC
spark output depends on inductance ratio not spark length --- as the spark
"grows" much longer through repeat ionization of the air near the HV
terminal.  You can see this effect with a very high speed camea.

You equation is for DC potentials.

Dr. Resonance

Resonance Research Corporation
E11870 Shadylane Rd.
Baraboo   WI   53913
 >
 > The formula for the field strength on a conductor with a given radius is:
 > Field strength = Voltage / Radius.
 > The break down voltage for air is approximately 76KV / inch.
 > This value varies with humidity, frequency, temperature, barometric
 > pressure etc.
 > So combining these gives:
 > Max Voltage (before air breakdown) = 76KV * Radius (in inches)
 >
 > Is this correct for a close approximation?
 > When applying this to a toroid I was assuming the minor radius should be
 > considered since it is the smallest curve on the toroid so the field
 > strength would be strongest there.
 > Am I correct in assuming this formula could be applied to the minor radius
 > of a toroid to get it's approximate break out voltage?
 >
 >
 > Luke Galyan
 > Bluu-at-cox-dot-net
 >
 >
 >
 >