Some Properties of Hydrogen Spark Channels

Abstract
Measurements of voltage gradients and visible channel diameters for hydrogen sparks (100-200 A, rectangular current pulses) at 1 atmosphere pressure, are described. The results are discussed in terms of the physical properties, such as the gas temperature, of the channel. It appears from the drift current equation, on insertion of measured values of current and electron density, that the electron drift velocity fits a constant pressure (arc-like) condition for the channel better than a constant density condition. The results are consistent with a channel temperature of about 15 000°. Diffusion processes, in the later stages of spark channel expansion, are also discussed.

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