Ignition question

[Aturt]

I was just wondering why people use high voltage ignition (tasers) for their spud guns. Is it just so the launcher is more reliable (so there are less misfires)? Is it because hybrids need more ignition power? Also, does having ignition at two different points make the launcher more reliable? Thanks.

[Mr.Tallahassee]

The stun guns will always work, no matter what mix you use. It's not only more reliable, but it's more efficient and powerful to use multiple spark gaps. The more ignition points, the faster the fuel-air mix burns.

[Aturt]

So, using multiple ignition points can even make your launcher's shots more powerful and stun guns allow you to be 'less strict' with the fuel mix you are using? That's interesting.

[Mr.Tallahassee]

Actually, the mix that I'm referring to is the mix number in a hybrid. Not the fuel-air ratio. A 1x mix is at atmospheric pressure. A 10x is ten times the fuel and air of a 1x mix. Multiple points ignites multiple flame fronts causing the mix to burn faster. Using the stun gun ensures that you have enough voltage to arc under even the most extreme pressures in a hybrid. When the pressure is higher in the chamber, pre-ignition, it takes more voltage to jump an arc across a given distance.

[Crna Legija]

Actually, the mix that I'm referring to is the mix number in a hybrid. Not the fuel-air ratio..

not really doubt a stun gun would set lardas HyGaC20 off.

[mark.f]

The "bling factor" and the tactile preference to a light momentary switch versus a stiff piezoelectric igniter or bulky potted electric grill igniter. Also, the voltage to jump larger air gaps (or multiple smaller gaps) is a plus.

[Mr.Tallahassee]

Actually, the mix that I'm referring to is the mix number in a hybrid. Not the fuel-air ratio..

not really doubt a stun gun would set lardas HyGaC20 off.

I don't think many people are "ballsy" enough or insane enough to build something that powerful.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Is it because hybrids need more ignition power

You can get away with a smaller gap though, I've used simple piezo ignitors from cigarette lighters for igniting mixes up to 16x, by using a tiny (0.3mm or less) spark gap.

Also, does having ignition at two different points make the launcher more reliable?

Not really, but technically it should make it more powerful.

[Aturt]

Actually, the mix that I'm referring to is the mix number in a hybrid. Not the fuel-air ratio. A 1x mix is at atmospheric pressure. A 10x is ten times the fuel and air of a 1x mix. Multiple points ignites multiple flame fronts causing the mix to burn faster. Using the stun gun ensures that you have enough voltage to arc under even the most extreme pressures in a hybrid. When the pressure is higher in the chamber, pre-ignition, it takes more voltage to jump an arc across a given distance.

Ok, so you use a stun gun so you have enough voltage in a hybrid to ignite mixes with lots of fuel and that are already under high pressure before ignition. Thanks.

Is it because hybrids need more ignition power

You can get away with a smaller gap though, I've used simple piezo ignitors from cigarette lighters for igniting mixes up to 16x, by using a tiny (0.3mm or less) spark gap.

Also, does having ignition at two different points make the launcher more reliable?

Not really, but technically it should make it more powerful.

Then it's basically a question of trying with something like a piezo ignitor and see if it works, but more voltage means you're always going to be able to ignite those high pressure mixes, right?