Title :
The Influence of Polarity on High-Voltage Discharges
Author :
McMillan, F.O. ; Starr, E.C.
Author_Institution :
Research Professor of Electrical Engineering, Oregon State College, Corvallis, Oregon.
fDate :
3/1/1931 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
An experimental investigation of the influence of polarity on high-voltage discharges is reported in this paper. Particular attention is given to those discharges used in high-voltage measurements. A theory of the formation of Lichtenberg figures is given together with experimental evidence upon which it is based. A polarity indicator utilizing visual Lichtenberg figures is described. Results of 60-cycle and impulse tests on various types of gaps are given. It is shown that polarity has a distinct effect upon the sparking voltages of all types of gaps. Impulse measurements with grounded sphere-gaps are shown to be subject to serious error unless the polarity effects are taken into consideration. An explanation of the influence of polarity on spark-over is proposed.
Keywords :
Atmosphere; Breakdown voltage; Dielectric measurements; Electric variables measurement; Electrodes; Electrons; Engine cylinders; Ionization; Spark gaps;
Journal_Title :
American Institute of Electrical Engineers, Transactions of the
DOI :
10.1109/T-AIEE.1931.5055733
