A theory of spark ignition in nonturbulent and turbulent-flowing homogeneous gases using long-duration discharges is presented. The the-ory is based on the concept that only a portion of the discharge length, a line source of ignition, is important in the ignition process. The theory contemplates a zone heated to flame temperature by the line source of ignition and of such size that the rate of heat generated in the zone equals the rate of heat loss from the zone. Theoretical and experimental comparisons of the energy in this heated zone reveal a relation among the variables total spark-discharge energy, gas density and velocity, elec-trode spacing, spark duration, intensity of turbulence, and fuel con-stants. The limited data available substantiate this relation.
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