Influence of electrode materials on arc voltage waveforms in pressurized field distortion spark gaps

Field distortion spark gaps with gaseous dielectric are frequently used to connect condenser banks to load inductors in order to produce fast rising magnetic fields. One recent application, the production of relatively long duration magnetic fields ( less than equivalent to 20 msec), has resulted in electrode damage or arc instability in paralleled spark gap operations. Some criteria are proposed for selecting spark gap electrode materials. The criteria are used to compare commonly used materials. A correlation between arc voltage waveform and arc behavior indicates the influence of the electrode materials.