Corona and rectification in hydrogen

The results of an investigation of the corona discharge between co-axial cylinders in an atmosphere of hydrogen are given in this paper. Both direct and alternating electromotive forces were used. The characteristic behavior of the corona is given by means of curves, photographs and oscillograms. The corona discharge in hydrogen was found to differ from that in air in the following particulars: The discharge from a negative wire was found to differ widely from a positive wire in the magnitude of the voltage necessary to start the discharge in the shape of the volt-ampere characteristic and also in the stability of the discharge. Corona in hydrogen between concentric cylinders is shown to be a practicable method for rectifying high potential alternating currents. The apparent evidence of ionization potential gradients at the surface of the tube and the general character of the visual phenomena are discussed. A brief statement of conclusions is given.