Magnetic inhibition of insulator flashover

Journal Article · Tue Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.331229· OSTI ID:5313275

VanDevender, J P; McDaniel, D H; Neau, E L; Mattis, R E; Bergeron, K D

Electrical breakdown across a vacuum/plastic interface in the presence of applied or self-generated magnetic fields, B< or =3.5 T, was investigated. The E x B drift of charged particles near the interface in these experiments was away from the insulator surface. The self-magnetic field effects on a plastic vacuum insulator flashover were examined with inductive loads, particle beam loads, and imploding plasma loads. Average breakdown electric fields of up to 38 MV/m were observed. Power densities of 100 TW/m/sup 2/ were passed through acrylic-vacuum interfaces. The flashover electric fields were improved over the B = 0 fields from previous experiments by factors of 7.1, 5.0, and 1.8 for the -45/sup 0/, 0/sup 0/, and +45/sup 0/ insulators, respectively.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185
• OSTI ID: 5313275
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 53:6; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420800* -- Engineering-- Electronic Circuits &amp; Devices-- (-1989)
BREAKDOWN
CROSSED FIELDS
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL INSULATORS
EQUIPMENT
FLASHOVER
INTERFACES
MAGNETIC FIELDS
POWER DENSITY