Inge,

Am I under a false understanding that an arc [plasma] in space is
particularly troublesome in that it will not extinguish until the current
ceases?  With no convection currents, there is nothing to assist with
extinguishing the arc [ala Jacob's ladder].

Could there be a certain amount of media 'distortion' entering into the fray
as well?

Steve C

-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Inge Hernefjord
Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 5:41 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] Out of the world tin whiskers

Wow, that's a fraudulent anticipation..

 It is believed that these or additional tin whiskers that may grow on
Cassini cannot carry enough current to cause problems, but will burn out on
their own like a lightweight fuse.

....because

a. singel crystal metals can carry more current

b. some signal paths may measure nanoamps or even picoamps

c. they can start arcing

d. a typical long whisker can carry 10 mA before burning

e. a short one can carry 50 mA

f. dozens of whiskers can be in parallel, thus carrying even more current

g. burnt whiskers can come back if the 'root' is intact

So, to think 'they will just burn away' is not a philosophy when building
radar and other sensors (from where I came).  I have been involved in
Galileo as well. If we found just a few whiskers, it took just a few days
and a whole delegation went to ESA.

I think I will lower my admiration of NASA a little bit. But not Jay....

Inge




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