Spark-to-glow discharge transition due to increased surface conductivity on epoxy resin specimens

The effects of long exposure of epoxy resin surfaces to partial discharges under AC field stress were examined. The use of electrical pulse measuring techniques in conjunction with light emission measurements using a photomultiplier tube, which allowed simultaneous detection of both spark and glow discharges, permitted the establishment of a definite transition from spark to glow discharges. Spark discharges were found to be responsible for the initial surface modification leading to increased surface conductivity, which favored the transition to a pulseless glow type discharge within the cavity. The latter form of discharge was found to prevail over the major portion of the remainder of the exposure period