An investigation of the V-I characteristics of electrical discharges in Argon and their dependence on gap length and pressure

Author

Roderick Greg Wamsley

Date of Award

5-1994

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Physics

Major Professor

Horace W. Crater

Committee Members

A.A. Mason, Lloyd Davis, Thomas Giel, Bradley Winkleman

Abstract

An analysis of the voltage-current characteristics of an electrical plasma discharge in a static argon environment has been conducted. Eight specific cylindrical electrode point to plane geometries were studied representing variations in electrode material, point cone angle and tip radii. Relations were developed governing characteristics such as threshold and breakdown voltages, critical field strength and general shape of the voltage vs. current (V-I) curve, of each of the Townsend, coronal and arc phases of the discharge. These relations were fit to experimental data to obtain approximate values for the unknown constants and to determine their variation with gap spacing and pressure. Trends in the V-I characteristics with respect to changes in electrode geometry have also been identified.

Recommended Citation

Wamsley, Roderick Greg, "An investigation of the V-I characteristics of electrical discharges in Argon and their dependence on gap length and pressure. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1994.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/11719