A pathway to multifactor aging

The existing knowledge, its limitations, and potentials for progress in the assessment of insulation aging are considered. The evolution of thermal aging practice, since its inception to the adoption of the chemical rate approach, is described. The empirical nature of electrical stress aging is analyzed. Current research on subcorona aging, which suggests that electrical aging may be chemical in nature is discussed. A review of mechanical, radiation, and humidity aging reveals the common mechanism of deterioration to be also chemical in nature. The conclusion and recommendations focus on studies that may lead to progress in multifactor aging