Vacuum insulator flashover: mechanisms, diagnostics and design implications

This paper presents an approach for obtaining science-based answers to practical vacuum device problems. First, developments in research on vacuum insulator flashover are reviewed, with emphasis on the implications for device performance and design. In particular flashover mechanisms, diagnostics and geometry studies are discussed. Secondly, an overview is given of research activities, performed at the Eindhoven University of Technology, which aim at improved device performance, the formulation of guidelines, and the development of device diagnostics, for DC and AC vacuum devices