Breakdown voltage between two parallel plates

[Cincinnati10]

Is there a source / formula that determines at what voltage a charge will jump the gap between two parallel plates that are brought sufficiently close to each other? Does plate material come into play? (316SS vs 304SS vs Hastelloy C)? What if the plates are submerged in an electrolyte vs in open air or in a Nitrogen environment?

 

[magoo2]

Check out Paschen's Law. It deals with the breakdown between gaps. As I recall, the plate material doesn't really matter, but the type of gas and gas pressure has an impact.

I'm not sure about the electrolyte since this formula deals with breakdown in gases and I don't believe it will address the electrolyte case.

 

[itsmoked]

Surface finish would have more to do with it than metal type.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[Compositepro]

Here is an article that will tell you all you want to know:

http://www.ce-mag.com/archive/02/01/MrStatic.html

There is a whole list of excellent articles on static electricity at that site/