Re: how does spark gap affect output?

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Laurence Davis by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <meknar-at-hotmail-dot-com>

with a static load on the transformer, if it has a 10:1 step up ratio,
it will always be 10:1.  But I'm assuming that the gap varies the voltage at 
a point below the transformers designed output.  Then when the arc strikes 
(or is quenched: I'm not sure which) the inductor (primary) reacts with the 
transformer drawing more current from it then during conduction of the 
spark. thus there is a current/voltage spike when the arc is quenched.

I would also guess this can be calculated.  I expect that this is a direct 
relationship with the primary inductance and its tuned frequency with the 
capacitor.

just to be clear as to what i was asking.
I understand the simple reason as to why the gap must be a specific
distance.  I want to understand the principles behind it.

larry
>From: "Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
>To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
>Subject: Re: how does spark gap affect output?
>Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 14:24:39 -0600
>
>Original poster: "Mike Hollingsworth by way of Terry Fritz 
><twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <megavolts61-at-yahoo-dot-com>
<snip>
>
>The spark gap(static gap) sets the voltage on your
>primary cap. The wider it is,  the higher the voltage
>your cap gets charged to and the energy of the bang
>increases as the square of the voltage applied. If you
>double the spacing you'll get roughly 4 times the
>power per bang......unles you blow up your caps and
>tranny.
>Mike
>