disruptive discharge

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. the sudden, large increase in current through an insulating medium resulting from complete failure of the medium under electrostatic stress.

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disruptive discharge British  

noun

1. a sudden large increase in current through an insulating medium resulting from failure of the medium to withstand an applied electric field

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Example Sentences

The high frequency exhibit included Mr. Tesla's earlier machines and disruptive discharge coils and high frequency transformers, which he used in his investigations and some of which are referred to in his papers printed in this volume.

From Project Gutenberg

This was the first disruptive discharge coil constructed by him.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, for instance, a thick copper bar bent in arched form was provided with clamps for the attachment of lamps, and a number of lamps were kept at incandescence on the bar; there was also a little motor shown on the table operated by the disruptive discharge.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Tesla's manner of operating an induction coil by means of the disruptive discharge, and thus obtaining enormous differences of potential from comparatively small and inexpensive coils, will be appreciated by experimenters and will find valuable application in laboratories.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus an electrode, maintained at a certain degree of heat, lasts much longer with currents obtained from an alternator, than with those obtained by means of a disruptive discharge.

From Project Gutenberg