Re: THOR: First observations on streamer formation (try II)

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

Original poster: DRIEBEN-at-midsouth.rr-dot-com 

Hi all,

I'm not sure exactly how this equation is to be applied, but I thought
the lateset thinking was that the spark length is a non-linear function
of the voltage output of Tesla coils. We all know that spark length vs
voltage is affected by a number of factors (electrode shape, frequency,
atmospheric conditions, ect) so it would seem that it would be about im-
possible to guage the output voltage of a Tesla coil strictly by its
output spark length. John Freau's formula states that the spark length
is directly proportional to the square of the input POWER, not the volt-
age, and empirical evidence seems to verify this (you basically have to
quadruple the power input to double the output spark length). Just my
thoughts.

David Rieben

----- Original Message -----
From: Tesla list <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
Date: Sunday, March 14, 2004 10:37 am
Subject: Re: THOR: First observations on streamer formation (try II)

 > Original poster: "Gerry Reynolds" <gerryreynolds-at-earthlink-dot-net>
 >
 > Hi John,
 >
 > Something is puzzling me about this equation.  Lets assume that
 > one has a 30
 > inch spark.  65*30^.7 = 703 volts ??? or is the equation meant to
 > expressvoltage in KV.  Also, is the equation 65 * (inches^.7) or
 > (65*inches)^.7The latter would yield 201 volts or would that be 201KV
 >
 > Gerry R
 >
 > > Original poster: "John H. Couture" <couturejh-at-mgte-dot-com>
 > >
 > >
 > > In the Tesla Coil Construction Guide there is a graph showing
 > Voltage vs
 > > Spark length. It is based on the equation
 > >
 > >    Secondary voltage = 65 x inches^0.7
 > >
 > > This is based on past coiler data and is for continuous sparks
 > from the
 > > toroid to a ground point. It appears to work OK but I would
 > like to bring
 > it
 > > up to date if it needs changing.
 > > John Couture
 >
 >
 >