Surface charges on cylindrical polymeric insulators

Distributions of charges are investigated on surfaces of polymeric cylindrical insulators that emerge due to dc corona discharges in surrounding air and by stressing with dc voltage. The studied model insulator consisted of a glass fiber reinforced epoxy core covered with a sheath of silicone rubber, terminated by metallic electrodes with rounded smooth edges. Surface potential distributions were measured 1 min after completing the charging process by means of a Kelvin electrostatic probe connected to an electrostatic voltmeter. The measured surface potential profiles were utilized to calculate corresponding charge density distributions. The obtained results demonstrated significant differences in the surface charge patterns for different charging conditions, which in turn may affect flashover withstand of the insulator.