Surface tracking in polymers: a pattern discrimination technique using fractals

Abstract

The geometrical patterns of dielectric breakdown like electrical trees, surface discharges and lightning are known to be fractal in nature. These fractal patterns can be analysed numerically using fractal dimensions and lacunarity. Surface tracking occurring in high voltage insulation systems is a very complex phenomenon and more so the shapes of tracking patterns. It has been fairly well established that the shapes and the underlying parameters causing tracking have a one-to-one correspondence and therefore methods to describe and quantify these patterns must be explored. This contribution reports preliminary results of such a study wherein two-dimensional (2D) tracking patterns of gamma irradiated ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) were analysed and found to possess fairly reasonable pattern discriminating abilities. This approach appears promising and further research is essential before any long-term predictions can be made. It is also interesting to note that the ac tracking resistance of EPDM decreases with an increase in the radiation dose. The erosion depth affected by radiation was also studied.