Design and Preliminary Performance Tests of the Westinghouse Electrostatic Generator

Design and performance characteristics of the Westinghouse electrostatic generator are discussed. Steady voltages of 1.3 Mv at atmospheric pressure and up to a maximum to date of 3.7 Mv at about 75 lb./sq. in. have been used to accelerate hydrogen ions. The maximum steady voltage is limited mainly by sparking along the belts. The voltage remains constant to within 0.5 percent for observing times of several minutes, and at times to within 0.2 percent for a half-minute or so.