N Dhahbi-Megriche et al 1997 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 30 889 doi:10.1088/0022-3727/30/5/022
N Dhahbi-Megriche, A Beroual and L Krähenbühl
Show affiliationsIn this paper, the principal pollution flashover models are reviewed and then an impedance criterion for arc propagation is proposed. This criterion differentiates the case in which the arc elongates until total flashover occurs from the case in which the arc stops before it reaches the end of the insulator. It is shown that the Hampton criterion is not a sufficient condition for initiation of the arc. Indeed, the latter can expand, under certain conditions, even if the Hampton criterion is not satisfied. An analytical model allowing one to determine the critical voltage that insulators can withstand is also established. This is based on an energetic balance, an equivalent electrical circuit and the physical characteristics of the arc. The critical voltage, the critical current and the critical arc length for polluted insulators are calculated using the elaborated model. The results so obtained are found to be in accordance with the experimental ones represented by known empirical relations.
52.80.Mg Arcs; sparks; lightning; atmospheric electricity
84.30.Bv Circuit theory (including computer-aided circuit design and analysis)
Issue 5 (7 March 1997)
Received 16 July 1996, in final form 11 December 1996
N Dhahbi-Megriche et al 1997 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 30 889
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