Electrical tree modeling in polymer nanocomposites in presence of foreign microparticles

The electrical tree behavior in polymer nanocomposites in the presence of a foreign microparticle is modeled. The proposed model aims to investigate how the presence of a foreign particle in the insulation influences the procedure of electrical tree propagation under DC voltage application. The relative permittivity of the microparticle is different compared to that of the polymer and of the nanoparticles. It is considered as a foreign particle that has been introduced into the insulation during manufacturing. The simulation results reveal that the microparticle presence and its size affect the electrical tree propagation. Moreover, it is observed that the tree propagation in the polymer nanocomposite differs according to the location of the foreign microparticle.