Trystan Casey
Electric discharge refers to the release and transmission of electricity in an applied electric field through a medium such as a gas. This process is utilized in various applications, including electric discharge machining, where a conductive workpiece is shaped by multiple tiny electric arcs. Electric arcs are also employed in arc welding for assembling heavy steel structures and in electric arc furnaces used in steelmaking and alloy production. Additionally, the capacitor electric discharge circuit has been explored as an underwater shock wave-generating device.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | The release and transmission of electricity in an applied electric field through a medium such as a gas |
| Natural occurrences | Atmospheric lightning, corona discharges |
| Applications | Spark gaps, arc welding, electric discharge machining, capacitor electric discharge circuits |
| Related terms | Electric arc, ionization, St. Elmo's fire |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Electric Discharge Machining
The erosive effect of electrical discharges was first noted in 1770 by English physicist Joseph Priestley. However, it wasn't until 1943 that Soviet scientists B. R. Lazarenko and N. I. Lazarenko used electricity to successfully machine conductive materials. They developed an EDM machine to control the erosion of tungsten electrical contacts due to sparking. The Lazarenkos' machine, known as an R-C-type machine, uses a resistor-capacitor circuit to charge the electrodes.
EDM is a non-conventional machining process used primarily for tasks that would be challenging or unachievable with conventional methods. It is particularly useful for extremely hard materials like carbides, ceramics, titanium alloys, and heat-treated tool steels. EDM can be used to create intricate and delicate parts, such as turbine and compressor discs, implants, pacemakers, die molds, and microelectronics.
There are three main types of EDM: die-sinking EDM, wire EDM, and hole-drilling EDM. In die-sinking EDM, the electrode is pre-formed in the desired cut shape and is used to cut that specific geometry. Wire EDM follows similar principles, but the wire electrode acts like a wire cheese cutter. Hole-drilling EDM employs a pulsing electrode to create small, deep holes without burrs. EDM machines use a dielectric fluid, such as oil, to carry away the melted and vaporized metal particles from the machined area.
Clean Your Electric Oven and Remove Stains
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Atmospheric Lightning
An electric discharge is accompanied by the ionization of the surrounding atmosphere. Lightning is a natural phenomenon and a prime example of an electric discharge that occurs in the atmosphere. It involves a near-instantaneous release of energy averaging between 200 megajoules and 7 gigajoules. The air around the lightning flash rapidly heats up to temperatures of about 30,000 °C (54,000 °F).
Lightning is a primary driver of the global atmospheric electrical circuit and atmospheric chemistry. It is also a natural ignition source of wildfires. The World Meteorological Organization considers lightning an Essential Climate Variable. The scientific study of lightning is called fulminology.
Lightning primarily occurs when warm air mixes with colder air masses, resulting in atmospheric disturbances that polarize the atmosphere. These disturbances result in storms, and when these storms produce lightning and thunder, they are called thunderstorms. Lightning can also occur during dust storms, forest fires, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, and even in the cold of winter, where the lightning is known as thundersnow.
There are three primary forms of lightning distinguished by where they occur: Intra-cloud (IC) or in-cloud, which occurs within a single thundercloud; Cloud-to-cloud (CC) or inter-cloud, which occurs between two clouds; and Cloud-to-ground (CG), which occurs between a cloud and the ground and is referred to as a lightning strike. While intra-cloud and cloud-to-cloud lightning are more common, cloud-to-ground lightning has the most direct effects on humans.
Upper-atmospheric lightning, also known as transient luminous events (TLEs), refers to a family of short-lived electrical breakdown phenomena that occur at altitudes much higher than typical lightning and storm clouds. TLEs are secondary phenomena associated with underlying thunderstorm lightning and can last from less than a millisecond to over 2 seconds. They are believed to be electrically induced forms of luminous plasma. The most common type of TLE is sprites, which are large-scale electrical discharges that occur above thunderstorm clouds, giving rise to a varied range of visual shapes. Sprites are reddish-orange or greenish-blue in colour and can appear as jellyfish, columns, or carrots. Blue jets and gigantic jets are other types of TLEs that emanate from cloud tops at incredible speeds and altitudes.
Surviving Summer Blackouts: Tips to Stay Cool
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Spark Gaps
Electric discharge is accompanied by the ionization of the surrounding atmosphere.
Historically, spark gaps were used in early electrical equipment, such as spark gap radio transmitters, electrostatic machines, and X-ray machines. Today, their most common use is in spark plugs to ignite the fuel in internal combustion engines. They are also used in lightning arresters and other devices to protect electrical equipment from high-voltage transients.
Triggered spark gaps are a class of devices with some additional means of triggering to achieve low jitter. The most common example is a third electrode, as in a trigatron. The voltage of the trigger electrode can be changed quickly because the capacitance between it and the other electrodes is small. In a triggered spark gap, gas pressure is optimized to minimize jitter while also avoiding unintentional triggering.
Electric Fences: Keeping Dogs Safe and Secure
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Arc Welding
Electric discharge is a spark that occurs when electricity is passed through a gas, resulting in the ionization of the surrounding atmosphere. One application of this phenomenon is arc welding, a process that uses electricity to create enough heat to melt and join metals.
Constant current and constant voltage power supplies are the most common power sources for arc welding. Constant current power supplies are typically used for manual welding processes like gas tungsten arc welding and shielded metal arc welding, as they maintain a steady current despite voltage fluctuations. Constant voltage power supplies, on the other hand, are preferred for automated welding processes like gas metal arc welding, flux cored arc welding, and submerged arc welding, as they hold the voltage constant while varying the current.
The welding area in arc welding is usually protected by a shielding gas, vapour, or slag to prevent atmospheric contamination. This process is versatile, requiring minimal operator training and inexpensive equipment. However, weld times can be slow due to the frequent replacement of consumable electrodes and the removal of slag after welding. Arc welding is commonly used in repair work, construction, and the fabrication of steel structures and vehicles.
Electricity's Shocking Impact: Injuries and Casualties Explored
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Corona Discharges
Electric discharge is a process in which a spark gap is used to ignite a fuel/air mixture. Corona discharge is a specific type of electrical discharge. It occurs when a conductor carrying high voltage ionizes the fluid, usually air, surrounding it. This fluid undergoes electrical breakdown and becomes conductive, allowing charge to leak off the conductor.
Corona discharge is often observed as a bluish or violet glow in the air adjacent to pointed metal conductors carrying high voltages. It emits light via a combination of bremsstrahlung radiation and changes in electronic state, producing discrete spectral lines. The phenomenon gets its name from the crown-like shape of the plasma that forms around the electrodes during discharge.
Corona discharge is characterized by localized breakdown, which restricts the available reaction volume. It is a relatively low-power electrical discharge that typically occurs near atmospheric pressure. The phenomenon is invariably generated by strong electric fields associated with small diameter wires, needles, or sharp edges from the electrodes. The current produced is usually in the range of 1–100 μA/cm2.
Corona discharge can be problematic in high-voltage applications, causing energy loss and generating corrosive and toxic gases such as ozone and nitric oxide. However, controlled corona discharges are utilized in various processes, including air filtration, photocopiers, and ozone generation for water disinfection.
The occurrence and intensity of corona discharge are influenced by factors such as atmospheric conditions, conductor condition, and spacing between conductors. Strategies to minimize the corona effect include using larger or bundled conductors, adjusting spacing, and implementing corona rings.
Electricity's Intrinsic Properties: Conductivity, Voltage, and Current
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Electric discharge is the release and transmission of electricity in an applied electric field through a medium such as a gas.
Some examples of electric discharge include lightning, spark gaps in internal combustion engines, and arc welding.
Electric discharge has various applications, including electric discharge machining, arc welding, and the production of alloys and other products in an electric arc furnace.
