Efficiency and erosion characteristics of plasma jet igniters

Abstract
The rate of erosion of both ceramic and metal in a typical plasma jet igniter has been monitored as a function of various experimental parameters. Even under the most favorable conditions it appears that working lifetimes may be limited to the order of ten hours-a figure in line with previous measurements of arc erosion. Direct measurements of the thermal energy delivered by the igniter to the adjacent gas reveal that overall efficiencies approximately 10% are attained. In order to minimise erosion while maintaining a given delivery of thermal energy it is found essential to work with low initial voltages on the energy storage capacitor.