Re: sparks

[Joseph Bellina <jbellina@SAINTMARYS.EDU>]

As I mentioned some time ago, depending on the material and the polish
of it, even a blunt object can create large fields because metal
whiskers can elevate from the plan of the surface. This is a common mode
of arc initiation.

cheers,

joe

 On Tue, 20 Feb 2001,
brian whatcott wrote:

> At 12:47 2/20/01 -0500, you wrote:
> > Does the difference imply anything about which is best
> > - the pointed vs. round lightning rod?
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------
> > | Robert Cohen
>
> Hehehe...perhaps not - but I find it rather misleading
> to compute a breakdown value for an electric field using
> point electrodes.
>     Points produce high fields, so the appropriate electrode
> is flat or almost flat to provide the asymptotic value.
>
>
> brian whatcott <inet@intellisys.net>  Altus OK
>                 Eureka!