streamer

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streamer

1. a stream of light, esp one appearing in some forms of the aurora

2. Computing another word for tape streamer

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

streamer

[′strē·mər]

(geophysics)

A sinuous channel of very high ion-density which propagates itself through a gas by continual establishment of an electron avalanche just ahead of its advancing tip; in lightning discharges, the stepped leader, and return streamer all constitute special types of streamers.

candle

i. A unit of illumination for intensity equal approximately to the luminous intensity of a 7/8-in sperm candle burning at 120 grains.
ii. The failure of a parachute to deploy because the rigging lines are fouled. Also called a cigarette or a streamer.

The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Streamer

a narrow, luminous channel formed within a gas in an electric field at pressures that are close to and above atmospheric in the stage preceding the electrical breakdown of the gas. Upon formation, a streamer lengthens at great velocity (~10⁶ m/sec), a velocity several times higher than that of the charged particles between the electrodes. This speed is explained by the photo-ionization that occurs in the strong electric field created by the space charge near the advancing tip of the streamer. In their structure, streamers are similar in many respects to leaders in lightning discharges.

REFERENCE

Raether, H. Elektronnye laviny i proboi v gazakh. Moscow, 1968. (Translated from English.)

L. A. SENA

References in periodicals archive ?

It is established that the frequency of the streamer follow-up for the case of a rod of square cross section has a deterministic character: with increasing electric field strength, the repetition frequency increases monotonically with coefficient which is close to 0.25 [s.sup.-1] x [V.sup.-1] x m.

Influence of coronary discharge parameters on the efficiency of lightning protection system elements

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The low-noise characteristics and precise low-frequency response of Sentinel streamers have proved central to the success of BroadSeis.

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For those units with campaign participation credit in Operation Iraqi Freedom, they may be able to display any of three streamers. The "Liberation of Iraq" streamer covers the period March 19 to May 1, 2003.

New campaign streamers available

As we reflect on the meaning of these streamers, it's important to note the dates on the streamers--the Afghanistan campaign streamers end at 2006, the Iraq campaign streamers end at 2005, and the GWOT streamer has no date.

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ST MIRREN have dashed plans by a group of supporters to stage a streamer display at the opening game of the season.

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Also, they pose a hazard to anyone who touches a streamer dangling from a power line.

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I purchased a plastic streamer of green leaves about 6 feet in length from a local hobby store.