The Dynamics of Electrical Breakdown in Liquid Hydrocarbons

The electrical breakdown process in highly purified and degassed liquid hydrocarbons has been studied, using high speed schlieren photography as well as photomultipliers and an optical multichannel analyzer. It was shown that the breakdown process appears to be initiated primarily on the cathode surface. The ensuing formation of tree-like streamers was found to be associated with light emission. This light appears to be of the same spectral composition as that given off during actual breakdown. Spectral analysis of the emitted light indicated the presence of atomic and molecular hydrogen, carbon molecules of the type C2 and C3, as well as metal atoms emanating from the electrode surface. The significance of these findings is discussed in detail.