Re: whimshurst--RESEND (fwd)

[Steven Roys <sroys@xxxxxxxx>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2003 21:59:14 -0500
From: Dr. Resonance <resonance@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: High Voltage list <hvlist@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: whimshurst--RESEND (fwd)


No, when the potential becomes greater than 70 kV x radius in inches of the
major conducting elements of the machine, the charge will leak into the air
in the form of corona which begins to limit max potential of these machines.
Another limiting factor is if the surface area of the condensors (capacitors
in modern terms) if too large for the size of the machine they will also
leak charge away and place a limit on the output potential.

Van de Graaff's work better because there is really only one major metal
electrode and they are much larger as compared to the brass elements of a
Wimshurst.

We use active spray (not self-frictional excitation) on all of our machines
for maximum output regardless of humidity conditions.

Dr. Resonance

Resonance Research Corporation
E11870 Shadylane Rd.
Baraboo   WI   53913

www.Resonanceresearch.com


> > My question is what is the limiting factor on the William Welch
> > Wimshurst
> > machines?  Do they arc and dscharge when they hit full voltage?
>
> I'm not sure, but I would bet that this guy knows:
> http://www.sparkmuseum.com/FRICTION.HTM