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Re: [Amps] Arc distance

To: Larry Carman <lncarman@swbell.net>
Subject: Re: [Amps] Arc distance
From: R L Measures <r@somis.org>
Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2006 07:22:24 -0700
List-post: <mailto:amps@contesting.com>
On Jul 28, 2006, at 6:23 AM, Larry Carman wrote:

> Another thought. Could impurities introduced during manufacturing  
> of the
> different metals used in tube construction be associated with tube  
> arcing?

Bits of pure metal can cause arcing.  Example:  Cu is famous for  
growing whiskers in a vacuum.  However, it is good to keep in mind  
that fairly quiet arcing happens inside a vacuum, and that noisy  
arcing happens in the atmosphere. IOW, if one hears a big-bang, it  
was not from "barnacles" inside the tube.
>
> Larry N5BIP
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> From: amps-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:amps- 
> bounces@contesting.com] On
> Behalf Of Tom W8JI
>
> Sent: Friday, July 28, 2006 6:53 AM
>
> To: Amps Amps
>
> Subject: [Amps] Arc distance
>
>
>
> I wouldn't want people to walk away with the false idea that  
> spacing is the
> only major parameter that determines arc distance in a given  
> dielectric
> media. The shape is extremely important, as are any small sharp edges.
>
>
>
> A blunt smooth surface for a given spacing can have several times the
> voltage breakdown of a similar spacing with a sharp edge or even a  
> very
> small sharp protrusion.
>
>
>
> People who think they can look at a complex structure and predict  
> where it
> will break down based on spacing are kidding themselves and fooling  
> anyone
> else who believes them.
>
>
>
> I suspect the incorrect bandswitch and capacitor breakdown voltages  
> that are
> tossed out as "fact" come from looking at gaps or perhaps testing  
> parts that
> are exceptionally smooth or testing under other best-case  
> conditions, or
> maybe even just invented without any factual basis at all.
>
>
>
> 73, Tom W8JI
>
>
>
>
>
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>

R L MEASURES, AG6K. 805-386-3734
r@somis.org



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