Statistics of particle initiated breakdown in GITL systems

Experiments conducted in a 70-mm/190-mm diameter coaxial conductor system in the presence of 0.45-mm-diameter, 6.4-mm-long aluminum wire particles are reported. A statistical analysis of the results relating the frequency of failure of the system to the values of applied voltage and gas pressure is presented. The motion of the particles is studied using a computational procedure, and a diagnostic testing procedure for detecting metallic particle contamination in GITL systems is proposed.<>