The electric strength of air in nonuniform fields at radio frequencies

The purpose of this study is to investigate the electric strength of air in the frequency range of 2.0 to 16.0 megacycles per second, using a central wire and cylinder as electrodes. Work has previously been done with a similar electrode arrangement up to 1.5 megacycles per second.1 A reduction in breakdown voltage up to 6.0 per cent was noted in this instance. The present investigation shows that above 2.0 megacycles per second, the breakdown voltages are an average of 32.0 per cent under the corona starting voltages, at 60 cycles per second.