Hmmmm. More tinkering.
200KHz = 0.000005 sec per cycle. 0.32mSec / .005 = 64 cycles of
oscillation (burst duration). Question then is how FAST the secondary
oscillations peak (ring up). Loosely coupled takes more cycles?? The Corum
Brothers pointed out that the gap dwell time also must factor in the
coupling factor - indeed, tightly coupled systems peak better with very
short dwell times. Bang it FAST (and) HARD! So, by having short dwell,
tight coupling AND a high BPS, you get maximum ENERGY transfer (not
necessarily longer sparks.)
It's possible then that my gap breaks just a bit after ring-up decay in
the secondary.
The Corum paper points out several stages - first is to find critical
coupling. THEN determine the number of primary oscillations necessary to
bring the secondary to it's peak resonance rise. (Impulse equations) THEN
adjust gap dwell time to allow for ONLY that time of primary burst rate.
BPS rate then based on the limits of the input power source. (Hence either
a HUGE transformer, or smaller Cp to reduce saturation possibility.)
Also, if the secondary's energy is dumped at maximum oscillation, not a
whole lot left to collapse back into the primary. Which means the coupling
then can be REALLY tight... Either via discharge or impedance-matched
free-resonant 'extra' coil... I kinda like the heavy discharges myself.
:-)
Highest POWER means very tight coupling. Highest VOLTAGE means very loose
coupling, or tight coupling with an extra coil.
Aren't Tesla coils fun???