Ionization Processes in a Long Discharge Tube with Application to Lightning Mechanism

Abstract

Properties of the progressive breakdown, occurring when an impulsive potential is applied to an electrode in one end of a discharge tube 14 cm in diameter and 12 meters long, have been investigated, principally by means of a high speed cathode-ray oscillograph. Potentials from 25 kv to 115 kv and pressures from 0.006 to 8.0 mm Hg were used, with dry air and hydrogen in the tube. Conditions in the discharge, when comparatively large over-voltages are impressed, have been discussed by several investigators, particularly with respect to impulses of positive polarity and in tubes of smaller diameter. These observations now have been extended to include the negative polarity. In addition, a low speed, low potential process has been obtained and its properties analyzed.