Formation of vapor bubbles in nonpolar liquids initiated by current pulses

The electrical conduction of purified nonpolar liquids with point/plane electrode geometry was studied as a function of various parameters. For negative polarity of the point, a pulse regime has been observed which is greatly similar to the Trichel pulses occurring in air, with the exception of no pressure dependence. At atmospheric pressure, bubble formation was correlated with current pulse. The authors present a study of the generation and dynamics of the bubble as a function of various parameters: injected energy, hydrostatic pressure (⩽12 MPa), and the nature of the liquid. Results obtained for liquid hydrocarbons of different physical and electronic properties are compared and discussed. The transition to a slow bush-like streamer phenomenon is discussed