What does a Marx Generator do?

A Marx generator is an electrical circuit first described by Erwin Otto Marx in 1924. Its purpose is to generate a high-voltage pulse from a low-voltage DC supply. Marx generators are used in high-energy physics experiments, as well as to simulate the effects of lightning on power-line gear and aviation equipment.

How do you calculate Marx generator?

The current calculations are: – Maximum current pulse I Max. = 225 mA – Next peak current pulse IR = 140 mA – Minimum current pulse I Min. = 85 mA – The time period is, T = 300 ns The Marx is charged up to (2 kV), the energy is: EMarx = 1/2 C V2 = 75.2 mJ. The output voltage pulses are shown in figures (14) and (15).

How many stages does the Marx generator have?

The Marx generator circuit, shown in Figure 1 [20], is made of number of resistors and capacitors arranged in 4 stages to get higher voltages. The arrangement makes the capacitors to be charged in parallel and then discharge in series.

Who invented Marx generator?

Erwin Otto Marx
One form is the Marx generator, named after Erwin Otto Marx, who first proposed it in 1923.

What is the purpose of the spark gap?

A spark gap consists of an arrangement of two conducting electrodes separated by a gap usually filled with a gas such as air, designed to allow an electric spark to pass between the conductors.

Are Autolite spark plugs pre-gapped?

Autolite® and all spark plug manufacturers offer spark plugs pre-gapped in the most popular gap sizes. Because of the many gap sizes required, no one offers spark plugs properly gapped for every application. Gapping has always been the job of the installer.

What power supply do I need for a Marx generator?

The marx generator requires a low-current, high voltage DC in the range 4-8KV power supply. Small, low-current HV power supplies are found in things like ionisers (air purifiers), photocopiers and laser printers, those should be suitable. I made my own 6Kv power supply for my marx generator.

How dangerous are Marx generators?

The marx generators are dangerous high voltage generating machines, they produce a pulse discharge of many thousands of volts at approximately 5 to 10 amps! If the spark from the marx generator bites you, your life is over…

What is a Marx impulse generator?

Great winning science project as well as a low-cost approach to this useful piece of HV equipment. Small low cost tabletop Marx impulse generator produces 100,000 V at 5 J. Generates a bright loud explosive 4” shock wave like discharge. Pulse Repetition rate is controllable from 1 to 10 discharges per second.

What is the use of a 10m resistor in a Marx generator?

Rb has a ballasting effect, it is used to prevent a continuous arc forming across the first gap – this prevents further firing of the marx generator. The value of the resistor will mainly depend on the type of power supply is used, in this case, we are going to use an 10M resistor for this marx generator on this instructable.