THEORY OF BREAKDOWN WAVE PROPAGATION

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Physical Review (U.S.) Superseded in part by Phys. Rev. A, Phys. Rev. B: Solid State, Phys. Rev. C, and Phys. Rev. D

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.128.993· OSTI ID:4793359

Paxton, G W; Fowler, R G

The propagation of electrical breakdown waves in a gas is analyzed by assuming that the wave front of the breakdown wave is an electron shock wave. A simple three-fluid hydrodynamical model is used in which the partial pressure of the electron gas behind the shock zone is the primary source of the motion. A theoretical wave velocity of 2 x 10/sup 7/ m/sec is predicted for an applied field of 10/sup 4/ v/m in H/sub 2/ at a pressure of 0.2 mm Hg. Since the propagation mechanism of the breakdown wave is mechanical, the model explains propagation equally well into either a positive or negative electric field. Qualitative agreement between theoretical and experimental breakdown wave velocities is obtained. (auth)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman
• NSA Number: NSA-17-000665
• OSTI ID: 4793359
• Journal Information: Physical Review (U.S.) Superseded in part by Phys. Rev. A, Phys. Rev. B: Solid State, Phys. Rev. C, and Phys. Rev. D, Journal Name: Physical Review (U.S.) Superseded in part by Phys. Rev. A, Phys. Rev. B: Solid State, Phys. Rev. C, and Phys. Rev. D Vol. Vol: 128; ISSN PHRVA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BREAKDOWN
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRON GAS
ELECTRONS
FLUID FLOW
GASES
HYDROGEN
MECHANICS
MOTION
OSCILLATIONS
PHYSICS
PRESSURE
SHOCK WAVES
VELOCITY
ZONES