Space charge and high field phenomena in polyethylene

Abstract

The behavior of space charge in polyethylene (PE) for power cables was studied by utilizing the laser-induced-pressure-pulse technique. The breakdown characteristics of oxidized PE are quantitatively explained by taking account of the field distributions calculated from direct space charge probing. The electrode or the region nearby is suggested to play an important role in the breakdown process. The direct space charge probing is also useful in explaining high field conduction of PE. >