The effect of electrode configuration on the electric strength of hexane

In our investigation of the mechanism of electric breakdown in liquids, we have endeavored to measure a value for the electric strength that is characteristic of the liquid itself; ideally, that value which is free from the influence of all external factors such as electrode composition, surface condition, and configuration. However, because the influence of such factors as these cannot be completely removed, we have attempted to hold them constant throughout our investigations by using a particular size of stainless steel hemispherical electrodes, whose polished surfaces have been prepared in a controlled manner. Our success in doing this is attested by the fact that this system of electrodes has yielded very reproducible results and made possible correlations of the electric strength with the molecular structure of two homologous series of liquid hydrocarbons(1,2).