Investigations of Techniques for Reducing Breakdown Voltage in Lightning Arrestor Connectors

摘要

The success of the MC2796 and MC2797 lightning arrestor connectors (LACs) in providing lightning protection for several weapon systems has resulted in requests for other LACs with other protection capabilities. Among these has been the request for lower breakdown voltage. Some of the initial work on techniques for achieving this goal are described. Techniques investigated included modifications to the electrode geometry, the use of rare gas at reduced pressures surrounding the electrodes, and radioactive ionization of the gas. Tests with LACs included controlled electrical breakdown with slow-rising and fast-rising waveforms. From tests at SLA and General Electric Company, an optimum configuration was chosen. The final configuration which achieved 30 to 50 percent lower average breakdown than original LACs, used a modified web and argon gas. This design was implemented in the MC3114 low breakdown voltage LAC. (ERA citation 02:060603)