Abstract
Experimental results are presented on the impact electrode material and surface treatment has on the dielectric strength of water. A 4 mm water gap was tested under pulsed conditions with pulse widths greater than 1 μs, peak electric fields over 2 MV/cm and peak currents over 15 kA. 304 stainless steel electrodes machined with a Bruce profile and an effective area of 5 cm 2 were tested with surface roughnesses ranging from.34 μm to 1.41 urn. Results comparing electrodes that have additionally been electropolished are compared to those without an additional treatment. These various surface treatments remove micro-protrusions from the electrode's surface which reduce field enhancements across the electrode surface. It is believed that this technique will minimize the number of breakdown initiation points thereby increasing the dielectric strength. Results are given on the degree to which each finish improves the dielectric strength of water.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 512-515 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Conference Record of the International Power Modulator Symposium and High Voltage Workshop |
| State | Published - 2004 |
| Event | 2004 IEEE International Power Modulator Conference: 26th International Power Modulator Symposium and 2004 High Voltage Workshop - San Francisco, CA, United States Duration: May 23 2004 → May 26 2004 |