How Do Voltage and Time Influence Lichtenberg Figures in Acrylic?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the creation of Lichtenberg figures in acrylic using high voltage particle accelerators, specifically those operating at a couple million volts. It is established that the duration of exposure to the high voltage beam significantly influences the resulting patterns, with shorter exposure times yielding distinct results. The conversation also highlights the necessity of exceeding a minimum voltage threshold for the breakdown of acrylic, as well as the role of current availability in the speed of the process. Experimentation with lower voltage accelerators and varying acrylic thickness is suggested for achieving similar effects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of high voltage particle accelerators
  • Knowledge of acrylic material properties
  • Familiarity with electrical breakdown phenomena
  • Basic principles of Lichtenberg figure formation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of voltage and current on electrical breakdown in acrylic
  • Explore techniques for using lower voltage accelerators for Lichtenberg figures
  • Investigate the impact of acrylic thickness on the formation of Lichtenberg figures
  • Learn about safety protocols when working with high voltage equipment
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for artists, physicists, and hobbyists interested in high voltage experiments, as well as those exploring the artistic applications of Lichtenberg figures in acrylic materials.

Pleiades
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If you aren't already aware, there are some folks who use a couple million volt particle accelerator to make lichtemberg figures in acrylic. If you watch some of their videos over at http://www.capturedlightning.com/frames/lichtenbergs.html#Make it looks like they only leave the acrylic under their high voltage particle beam for a few seconds. If you were to use a lower voltage accelerator, and were to leave the piece of acrylic under the beam for an extended period of time, would you be able to achieve similar results? Would you need to use smaller/thinner piece of acrylic?
 
For a fine point electrode applied to the centre of the top of a block, resting on a flat base electrode, there will be a minimum voltage below which the material will not break down. Once that minimum voltage is exceeded sufficiently the process will continue until a “feeler” reaches through the material and short circuits the voltage generator. The speed of the process is probably related to the available current from the high voltage source.
 

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