A Theory of Liquid Surface Rupture by a Uniform Electric Field

Physics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

62

Scientific paper

Surface distortion and rupture permits field emission from liquid surfaces at field strengths less than those effective for equally smooth solid surfaces. An approximate mathematical theory of the rupture of a plane liquid surface in a uniform electric field has been developed. The relation between initial distortion, rupture time, and field strength has been calculated for fields large compared to that which just renders the surface unstable. This critical field is Em=2π12(ρgT)14=53 kv cm-1 for mercury, where ρ is density and T is surface tension. Typically, the theory shows that a hump initially 4×10-5 cm high and of diameter 9×10-4 cm will lead to rupture in 5×10-6 sec. in a field of 106 v cm-1. Relative to initial humps in the surface whose linear dimensions vary inversely as the square of the field, the time to rupture varies inversely as the cube of the field strength. This calculation shows that a lowered sparking potential to liquid mercury can be ascribed to surface rupture and shows that it is possible that surface rupture plays a part in Beams' low field emission from liquid mercury. Possible application of the theory to the high field condition at the cathode spot of the Hg arc is not clear.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

A Theory of Liquid Surface Rupture by a Uniform Electric Field does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with A Theory of Liquid Surface Rupture by a Uniform Electric Field, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Theory of Liquid Surface Rupture by a Uniform Electric Field will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1459867

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.