Measurement of surface charge distribution on insulating material under pulsed voltage

Since the beginning of the 20th century, surface flashover phenomena have been investigated from a viewpoint of scientific interest. The surface flashover can cause serious accident and limit the development of the electric power and high voltage equipment. The measurement of surface charge is important to understand the discharge of insulating materials and may help to find new ways to improve the flashover voltage. Based on the principle of the electrostatic probe, a system for the measurement of charge distribution on insulating material in vacuum is invented; the surface charge distribution on insulating material before and after the surface flashover is compared. The relationship between the flashover characteristics and the surface charge is discussed.