A theory of weak transient electrical discharges on dielectric surfaces

Journal Article · Tue May 15 00:00:00 EDT 1990 · Journal of Applied Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.345173· OSTI ID:6846608

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 (USA)
2. Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717 (USA)

The nonlinear evolution of transient electrical discharges initiated from a small charge spot on dielectric surfaces is analyzed with 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 a local Arc Welder's Ansatz: {ital {cflx R}}{vert bar}{ital I}{vert bar}={ital E}*, where {ital E}* is a positive constant. Comparison is made with a similar study of discharges initiated from a large charge spot. While both studies predict conditions under which charge is, or is not, transported to a dielectric edge, significant differences in the two cases are revealed. For example, if charge is not transported to an edge, current reversal is possible if the charge spot is small, but can only be unidirectional if the spot is large.

• OSTI ID: 6846608
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics; (USA) Vol. 67:10; ISSN 0021-8979; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700102* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Diagnostics
BOUNDARY-VALUE PROBLEMS
DIELECTRIC MATERIALS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
EQUATIONS
MATERIALS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
POWER TRANSMISSION LINES
SURFACES
TRANSIENTS