Statistical analysis of electric field distribution in insulating nanodielectrics

Abstract

This paper proposes a method to analyze electric field distribution in the composite structure quantitatively based on statistical parameters through electric field simulations. A geometry of many nanoparticles each surrounded by interphase region in a random arrangement is modeled for simulation ensuring uniform distribution. General factorial design in design of experiments method is utilized in performing simulations to identify the significance of the factors considered. Volume fraction, permittivity, radius and interphase thickness of the nanoparticle inclusion are treated as the factors. Volume fraction is varied from 1% to 10% in ten steps to simulate the cases of particle interactions which include nanoparticles far apart, moderately apart, interphases of particles touching to each other and overlap of interphases. Particle permittivity is varied from 2 to 8 while keeping polymer permittivity constant. Conductivity of the nanoparticle is varied similar to permittivity variations. Radius and interphase thickness are varied from 20–50 nm and 20–40 nm respectively. Coefficient of variation as well as mean value of electric field intensity are chosen as output or response variables. Multiple linear regression is employed to formulate the relationship between the factors considered and the statistical parameters. Significance and effect of these factors on electric field distribution is discussed. Interparticle distance and interphase volume fraction are found to be the critical factors affecting variance and mean of electric field intensity in nanodielectrics.