TSSP: List Archives

From: Paul
Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 11:10:15 +0100
Subject: Re: [TSSP] Genetic optimisation

Terrell W. Fritz wrote:

> ...
> Voltage stress plot:
> http://hot-streamer.com/temp/MattD2.gif

Very nice. Could you produce a variation on E-Tesla which, when
*given* a V-profile generates the gradient plot as above, and then
explores it to find the spot with the highest gradient, which we
take to be the weakest link - the 'Robinson spot' perhaps :). Then
by scaling the gradient of the Robinson spot up to the breakdown
value of air, say 10kV/cm, we get the maximum top volts before
breakout.
 
> ...  However, that is assuming the breakdown voltage is
> the same at DC, 60Hz, and 350kHz.

Indeed. You would be calculating the *static* breakdown voltage
with no account of the rate of change, but its a start. Comparison
with the tabulated results of Marc's proposed project would be
interesting, and might reveal the extent to which dV/dt is a factor.

> ... The question then is when does air initially breakdown at
> say 300kHz?

Pity Jim Lux isn't on this list - I'm sure he could provide some
essential background to this discussion.

Cheers,
--
Paul Nicholson,
Manchester, UK.
--


Maintainer Paul Nicholson, paul@abelian.demon.co.uk.