Application of Ideal Gas Theory to the Gaseous Expansion from an Electric Spark

Abstract

The gaseous expansion from an electric spark is described in this paper in terms of ideal gas theory. The assumption is made that a quantity of energy is injected into a small gas volume in an infinitesimally short time and that the initial volume of gas then expands until it reaches the pre‐spark pressure at an elevated temperature. Experimental results are given for a condenser discharge illustrating the dependence of the pressure equilibrated gas volume upon initial pressure and condenser energy. These results are interpreted using the ideal gas model presented. The significance of this expansion to the problem of spark ignition in combustible gases is discussed.