Breakdown and prebreakdown phenomena in liquids

Abstract

In this paper we present a comprehensive account of our results on streamer propagation in dielectric fluids in point-plane geometries. Propagation velocities for both positive and negative streamers have been determined as a function of the following parameters: temperature, pressure, density, viscosity, composition, and conductivity. Effects of voltage and interelectrode spacing were examined. Current and light emission during streamer growth were measured. The relation between shock wave and streamer velocities was investigated. Small concentrations of low-ionization potential additives markedly accelerated the positive streamers, while electron scavengers accelerated the negative streamers. Mechanisms to account for these observations are discussed.