Theory of electrical discharges initiated from a large charge spot on dielectric surfaces

Journal Article · Tue Oct 31 23:00:00 EST 1989 · Journal of Applied Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.343997· OSTI ID:5247330

Kadish, A; Maier, II, W B ^[1]; Robiscoe, R T ^[2]

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1. Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 (US)
2. Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717

The nonlinear dynamics of charge transport due to an electric discharge on a dielectric surface is analyzed using a transmission line model. The relation between the resistance per unit length, {ital {cflx R}}, and the current, {ital I}, is assumed to be given by the local arc-welder's ansatz, {ital {cflx R}}{vert bar}{ital I}{vert bar}={ital E}*, where {ital E}* is a positive constant. The model predicts that a discharge initiated in the vicinity of a charge spot can propagate partway down a current channel and abruptly terminate before transporting charge to the dielectric edge. This behavior is similar to leader phenomena observed in lightning and other electrical discharges. We show that the direction of the current along the current channel is constant throughout such a discharge. The minimum voltage at the charge spot that allows charge to be transported to the dielectric edge is determined. This critical voltage {ital V}{sub {ital l}} depends on the length {ital l} of the current channel. We show that the average field,'' {ital V}{sub {ital l}}/{ital l}, decreases as {ital l} increases. When the charge spot voltage is less than the critical voltage, we obtain upper and lower bounds for both the arc duration time and amount of charge removed from the charge spot.

• OSTI ID: 5247330
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics; (USA) Vol. 66:9; ISSN 0021-8979; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

656002* -- Condensed Matter Physics-- General Techniques in Condensed Matter-- (1987-)
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
CHARGE TRANSPORT
CURRENTS
DIELECTRIC MATERIALS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
MATERIALS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
PULSES
SURFACES