Abstract :
Reviews surface flashover of insulator, primarily in vacuum, although some comments are made about the effect of ambient gases on surface flashover. It presents theoretical mechanisms of surface flashover and pertinent experimental results. The holdoff voltage of insulators depends upon many insulator parameters, such as material, geometry, surface finish, and attachments to electrodes, but also on the applied voltage waveform (duration, single pulse or repetitive), the process history of the insulator operating environment, and previous applications of voltage. Several suggestions are made regarding choice of the material, geometry, and processing when selecting an insulator for a particular application. Some specific techniques for improving the holdoff voltage of insulators are recommended
Keywords :
flashover; insulators; surface discharges; vacuum insulation; ambient gases; applied voltage waveform; geometry; holdoff voltage; insulator parameters; insulators; operating environment; surface finish; surface flashover; Dielectrics and electrical insulation; Electron emission; Flashover; Gas insulation; Gases; Surface charging; Surface discharges; Vacuum breakdown; Vacuum technology; Voltage;
