Breakdown Characteristics of a Sphere-Plate Triggered Air Spark-Gap

Experiments have been designed and performed on a sphere-plate triggered air spark-gap with the purpose of separating the factors affecting dc breakdown process, and investigating the physical aspect of the phenomenon. Measurements of minimum break- down voltages and corresponding time-lags have been carried out with all the influencing factors of triggering spark present, as well as with each factor acting alone. The results of the experimental analysis have lead to certain conclusions regarding the influence of each affecting factor, of the polarities of main and triggering gaps, and of triggering voltage on breakdown characteristics and on gap behaviour more generally.