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U.S. Department of Energy
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Spark-erosion characteristics of graphite and CO gas

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5226909

The spark erosion characteristic of high-purity graphite and CO for 1-kHz gas blown rail-gap applications has been experimentally evaluated. The test configuration simulates a single channel, 1650-A arc discharge per linear inch of electrode length, with a 44-kV self-breakdown voltage and a transverse gas flow of 98 m/s. The dielectric gas was seeded with a small quantity of azulene vapor and a downstream uv preionization spark was used to assist the self-breakdown of the test electrodes. The erosion characteristics of other, more conventional electrode materials and dielectric gases were also examined and the results are presented graphically. Commerically pure tungsten in air was determined to exhibit the least erosion rate (2.1 x 10/sup -6/ cc/C) for this duty, as compared to graphite and CO (75 x 10/sup -6/ cc/C).

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
5226909
Report Number(s):
LA-UR-82-1606; CONF-820626-5; ON: DE82018356
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English