Piezoelectric Induced Pressure Wave Propagation Research Articles

The influence of oxidation on space charge formation in gamma-irradiated low-density polyethylene

The research presented in this paper investigates the role of oxidation in the formation of space charge in gamma-irradiated low-density polyethylene after being electrically stressed under dc voltage. Polyethylene plaques both with and without antioxidant were irradiated up to 500 kGy using a 60Co gamma source and space charge distributions were measured using the piezoelectric induced pressure wave propagation method. It has been found that a large amount of positive charge evolved adjacent to the cathode in the sample without antioxidant and was clearly associated with oxidation of the surface. The amount of charge formed for a given applied stress increased with the dose absorbed by the material. A model has been proposed to explain the formation of space charge and its profile. The charge decay after the removal of the external applied stress is dominated by a process being controlled by the cathode interfacial stress (charge injection) rather than a conventional RC circuit model. On the other hand, space charge in a sample containing antioxidant under the same applied electric stress was negligible even in the sample exposed to 500 kGy. The main process to form space charge is via charge injection rather than charge separation in the sample without antioxidant.

人工衛星の誘電体材料内部帯電計測装置の開発

Spacecraft charging occurs in space environment. There are two types of spacecraft charging. “Surface Charging” and “Internal Charging.” The former has been investigated for about 30 years. Until now, however, the latter has not been studied deeply enough and, as far as we know, measurement of internal charging in the spacecraft has not been made yet. Under these circumstances, we tried to develop equipment for measurement of internal charging in space environment, applying PIPWP (Piezo-electric Induced Pressure Wave Propagation) method, which enables us to measure electric charge distribution in dielectrics. The equipment was designed smaller and lighter in order to be able to be installed into spacecraft. The specific feature of this equipment is that it is capable of measuring charge distribution continuously in real-time. Using the equipment, we succeeded in measuring charge distribution in PMMA (Poly Methyl Methacrylate) film during and after electron beam irradiation and, we could obtain basis data to proceed to spacecraft borne equipment.

PIPWP法による宇宙機内部帯電の実時間計測装置の開発

PIPWP法による宇宙機内部帯電の実時間計測装置の開発