Streamer simulation in a dielectric liquid

A prebreakdown streamer simulation study was undertaken which incorporated the use of the finite element method. The simulation used a needle/plane electrode geometry immersed in n-hexane. A discharge process was used that was based on the development of a gas phase channel within the liquid. Streamer initiation was considered to occur in a gas bubble when an appropriate electric field level was attained. Propagation was then based on the extension of the partially conducting streamer at a site that presented the highest electric field. After extending the streamer, a new field computation was performed and the process repeated. In addition to a visualization of the propagating streamer, electric field and equipotential plots were generated. The results are presented in the form of frames that represent the growth of the event