Nanodielectric surface flashover studies under kHZ range pulsed fields in partial vacuum

In this paper, we present the experimental results of surface flashover characteristics of nanodielectric filled epoxy resin in partial pressure of nitrogen. Nano-sized Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ powder are used as fillers in epoxy resin with known properties. The surface flashover studies are conducted first under dc applied field and then 20 kHz pulsed unipolar field. The voltage, current, and light emission waveforms during the flashover events are recorded. The optical data is also collected by a video camera. All of the samples are produced in-house and for each sample, two weight ratios, namely 1:50, 1:16.6 (2% and 6%) (powder/epoxy), are cast on Teflon plates. Copper electrodes are mounted over the surface of dielectric samples to initiate surface flashover. The results of surface flashover voltages as a function of pressure are presented. Additionally, optical emission characteristics along with the voltage and current waveform data are also presented.