Circuit model of surface arcing
An electrical breakdown on a highly charged dielectric surface can result in a discharge along the surface, i.e., a flashover arc. We construct a simple circuit model for such an arc: the discharge of a capacitor C (related to the initial charged area) through a series inductor L and resistor R (related to the arc considered as a plasma). The arc current assumes a very simple form over most of its dynamic range, and such measured arc quantities as total charge transport, pulse width, peak current, and rise time are easily calculated. Moreover, straightforward a priori estimates of C, L, and R values give calculated arc quantities in good agreement with observation, for both typical magnitudes and areal scaling. We also analyze the effect on areal scaling of allowing the arc resistance R to ''switch'' during the evolution of the arc, from a small value characteristic of the arc plasma to a large value characteristic of the dielectric surface. Finally, we consider some aspects of the electromagnetic radiation generated by the arc.
- Research Organization:
- Physics Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717
- OSTI ID:
- 6765119
- Journal Information:
- J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 64:9
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
GENERAL PHYSICS
CATHODES
ELECTRIC ARCS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
BREAKDOWN
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
CAPACITORS
DIELECTRIC MATERIALS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EQUIVALENT CIRCUITS
FLASHOVER
CURRENTS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRODES
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
EQUIPMENT
MATERIALS
RADIATIONS
640301* - Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics- Beams & their Reactions