Accession Number:

AD0483411

Title:

NANOSECOND PULSE BREAKDOWN.

Descriptive Note:

Final technical rept.,

Corporate Author:

BRADDOCK DUNN AND MCDONALD INC EL PASO TX

Personal Author(s):

• McDonald, D. F.
• Smith, J.

Report Date:

1966-05-01

Pagination or Media Count:

71.0

Abstract:

A model is developed which describes the spatial and temporal characteristics of atmospheric breakdown produced by the interaction of a high-power nanosecond pulse and free electrons produced in the atmosphere by cosmic radiation. It is shown that, although many breakdowns occur along the path of propagation, the pulse power loss due to scattering from the breakdown regions is tolerable for most cases of interest. Theoretical results are given for the pulse power loss for specific pulse characteristics. The results of experimental studies on the statistical time delay of gas breakdown in a spark gap are also presented. The data show that after extensive surface conditioning the statistical time delay does not continue to decrease and exhibits erratic variations. Author

Descriptors:

• *ATMOSPHERE MODELS)
• (*RADAR PULSES
• IONOSPHERIC PROPAGATION
• COSMIC RAYS
• SCATTERING
• ELECTRON DENSITY
• IONIZATION
• EMISSIVITY
• STAINLESS STEEL
• ELECTRIC FIELDS
• SILVER
• COPPER
• MOLYBDENUM

Subject Categories:

• Active and Passive Radar Detection and Equipment

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE