The liquid-solid interface: the effect of negative liquid discharge

A study of the interaction of a negative discharge, propagating in a liquid dielectric, with a thin solid barrier has been made. Effects were sought under the headings of charge storage, thermal effects, and mechanical degradation. Charge accumulation was noted on polythene, evidenced by distortion of the propagating negative discharge, and by an unexpected back flash effect. Continued interaction of the negative discharge with a paper barrier caused progressive physical deterioration, evidenced by a reduction in the breakdown voltage. No significant thermal effects were evident