DC high-energy arcing ignition (HAI) resistance for polymeric materials: Part I: Consistency and repeatability of DC-HAI system

A system has been developed for testing the ignition resistance for polymeric materials to DC high-energy arcing. This paper first introduces the test concept and then statistically evaluates the consistency and repeatability of DC arcing energy applied by test system. Mean, standard deviation, and other statistical parameters of the arc energy are calculated for different test parameters, including arc current and arcing duration. The repeatability is shown by comparing the results at two different timeframes. The ignition test results are also presented for different types of materials. Statistical data is also presented showing consistency of the test.