Abstract
The results of an oscillographic study of the short a.c. arc between pure graphite electrodes show that the reignition potential is a linear function of the gas pressure for air, N2, O2, and CO2. The relation is expressed by Vr=A+Bp. The constant A follows the minimum sparking potential of the gas, increases with the rate of rise of the impressed voltage, and is independent of the arc current, except for CO2. The constant B depends on the gas, arc current, and rate of rise of impressed voltage. The reignition potential is closely related to the glow discharge and is shown to approach the sparking potential of the gas as the r.m.s. value of the current approaches zero. The factors that affect reignition are indicated, and a reasonable mechanism of the phenomenon is stated.

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