Circuit model of surface arcing

Journal Article · Tue Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1988 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.341285· OSTI ID:6765119

Robiscoe, R T; Sui, Z

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), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 64:9; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640301* -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Beams & their Reactions
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BREAKDOWN
CAPACITORS
CATHODES
CURRENTS
DIELECTRIC MATERIALS
ELECTRIC ARCS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRODES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
EQUIPMENT
EQUIVALENT CIRCUITS
FLASHOVER
MATERIALS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
RADIATIONS