The Influence of Voltage Polarity and Field Non-Unifornity on the Breakdown Behavior of Rod-Plane Gaps Filled with SF6

The static field discharge behavior of rod-plane gaps filled with SF6 is discussed in the pressure range of 100-500 kPa for applied voltages of positive and negative polarities. Discharge characteristics were determined using hemispherically capped rod electrodes of various radii up to 6.3 mm. Electrode gap spacings from 10 to 40 mm were studied. It is shown that the corona stabilization processes in SF6 are affected by gas pressure, the polarity of the applied voltage, gap length, and the radius of curvature of the rod electrode.