Peculiarities of Electric Breakdowns in the Interface Zone of Two Dielectrics.

Many theoretical studies of the breakdown behavior of solid insulating materials are based on idealized experimental conditions. In an inhomogeneous field, however, it is often the case that completely different conditions prevail in the interface zone of two dielectrics. Results obtained in a study of creep discharge phenomena, dielectric strength as a function of layer thickness and, in particular, interface conditions as a function of dielectric constant are related to the known breakdown theories. Reference is made to the application of the knowledge gained to the development of new insulating systems for electrical machines.