Variable-intensity sparks using Bonetti machine

A comparison of sparks resulting with small, medium-sized, and large leyden jars. The power source is an electrostatic Bonetti Machine. As the size of the leyden jars increase, the thickness of the sparks increase and their frequency decreases.

Here are some pictures of this Bonetti machine (along with some others) in more detail:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12049698@N02/sets/72157623269506341/

Also, here is a general collection of 'sparks' made with some of my electrostatic machines:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12049698@N02/sets/72157601636717434/

Here is some high voltage corona photography, also using an electrostatic power source. A shutter speed of several seconds was used to make the faint corona effects more visible:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12049698@N02/sets/72157622753522608/

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• wimshurst
• bonetti
• static
• electrostatic
• high
• voltage
• sparks
• electricity
• science

[awesomelightning]

What's Bonnetti Machine? I know what a Leyden Jar is, from lightning obsession, but I never heard of this thig.

[magx1]

@awesomelightning

A Bonetti Machine is almost identical to a Wimshurst Machine, except there are no metal sectors/tabs on the rotating disks, and the neutralizer brushes are replaced with metal combs that approach, but do not make actual contact with the disks. Unlike a Wimshurst machine, it must be pre-charged before it will begin generating it's output. The surface of one of the disk can be pre-charged using another electrostatic generator, or even a charged section of PVC pipe.

[teslacult]

Have you ever tried placing a step down transformer between the leyden jars, to convert voltage to current, and tune for resonance by adjusting gap spacing? Just curious.

[magx1]

Yes, although I have not tuned it. This is basically how the trigger coil for my ruby lasr works (see my ruby laser videos).

Thanks

[grandfather54]

Nice Build, can you show me where I might get the plans to build one like this?

[magx1]

@grandfather54

Thanks. Yes. Look in the description section above. I have just added a URL for my flickr photos, which include details of this machine's construction.

[438426x1]

cant stand the horrible frame rate...

[etsodian]

You're so funny!!! I cant stop laughing!!!! .....

ASSHOLE

[HorizonDelta]

kool



[jeroen107b]

it would've been better if you used a better camera?

[FrozenHaxor2]

lol 1 fps

[advthinker]

Can we do what they say cant be done! like charge a battery for my electric car.

[acika72]

put your finger in there ahha :P :D lol :P !

[computerfreaq17]

Nice slide show!

[Jimas1991997]

maybe he made the video with adope after effects??

[Sleazied]

1/2 FPS?

[airsoftiguana]

BILL nye THE science GUY

[yellowmetalcyborg]

Not to get too personal, but are you a physics teacher? Because you look like a physics teacher at my school...