II-Distortion Factors

A discussion of the significance and usefulness of deviation, peak factor, harmonic factor and curve factor, is followed by a similar discussion of the differential distortion factor δ (which is the distortion factor of the Standardization Rules) and a corresponding integral distortion factor σ defined in this paper. Each factor has its own significance as a numerical measure of the departure of an irregular wave from a pure sine wave and hence has a special usefulness for special purposes, as well as a general usefulness as an indicator of wave distortion. A possible factor combining δ and σ-is suggested. The variation of different factors with the phase, amplitude and frequency of harmonics is given. All the factors vary with the amplitudes of the harmonics; some factors are independent of their phase positions, while other factors are independent of their frequencies. Each factor has, therefore, its own characteristics. The importance of a δ and σ and their combination is enhanced by the possibility of their use in alternating-current theory and calculation.