A theory of abrupt termination and spontaneous restart of electrical current in surface flashover arcs
The space-time dynamics of surface flashover discharges is studied using a nonlinear one-dimensional transmission line model. When the current /ital I/ is not zero, the relation between the resistance per unit length, /ital R/cflx //, and /ital I/ is assumed to be given by a local arc welder's ansatz, /ital R/cflx ///vert bar//ital I//vert bar/=/ital E/*, where /ital E/* is a constant. The model predicts a threshold for discharge, and abrupt local termination and spontaneous restart of the discharge current. If at a place on the discharge path it happens that the charge gradient fails to exceed the threshold condition when the current vanishes, then the current will abruptly terminate there. However, if a discharge current flows in a region adjacent to one where the current has terminated, the edge of the current-free region can be ''ignited,'' resulting in the ''active'' region encroaching on the ''quiet'' one. A formula for the speed of encroachment is derived. Formulas are also derived for current pulse waveforms and the charge transported during the discharge.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545(US); Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717; Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
- OSTI ID:
- 5961307
- Journal Information:
- J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 66:4; ISSN JAPIA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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