Title :
Percolative breakdown model for ceramics based on a random grain-boundary network
Author :
Zhao, G. ; Joshi, Ravindra P. ; Lakdawala, V.K.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electr. & Comput. Eng., Old Dominion Univ., Norfolk, VA, USA
Abstract :
The mechanism of intrinsic breakdown in ceramics and insulating polymers is not clearly understood. A common feature in these materials is the existence of internal grain boundaries that provide a natural barrier to conduction. Here we propose that external electric fields work to alter the barrier heights at the various grain boundaries (GBs). A dynamic model for current conduction in ceramics is developed. This random Voronoi network of grains can model percolative paths through the sample, the overall current-voltage characteristics, and estimates effects of variations in grain size.
Keywords :
ceramics; electric breakdown; electric current measurement; grain boundaries; grain size; organic insulating materials; percolation; polymers; barrier heights; ceramics; conduction barrier; current conduction; current-voltage characteristics; external electric fields; grain size; insulating polymers; intrinsic breakdown; percolative breakdown model; random Voronoi network; random grain-boundary network; Avalanche breakdown; Breakdown voltage; Ceramics; Conducting materials; Crystallization; Electric breakdown; Electron traps; Grain boundaries; Grain size; Polymers;
Conference_Titel :
Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena, 2005. CEIDP '05. 2005 Annual Report Conference on
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-9257-4
DOI :
10.1109/CEIDP.2005.1560740
