Weibull statistical analysis of dielectric breakdown in n-hexane

A much refined experimental technique and analysis of measurements of dielectric breakdown in hydrocarbon liquids, in particular: n-hexane, has shown that the time lag distribution of an unperturbed liquid is governed by a Weibull probability function. Among dielectric liquids stressed at a constant electric field this is the first account of the applicability of the statistics of extreme values. This result and the field dependence of the breakdown probability are to be considered as strong arguments in favour of the recently postulated theory of electrical breakdown based on fluctuations of the electric field in solid and liquid dielectric materials.