A Theory of Imperfect Solid Dielectrics

This paper covers Chapters VII, VIII, and IX of a thesis presented by the author to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Cornell University, for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. In this thesis a summary is made of the experimental facts regarding the anomalous behavior of solid insulating materials under varying conditions of potential, time, temperature, frequency, humidity, ionizing radiations, and various other factors. A bibliography containing about 400 articles dealing with experimental and theoretical research is appended to the thesis. These articles are chronologically arranged and numbered. Five tables are given, including references to experimental research done on (a) dielectric resistivity, (b) dielectric charge and discharge, (c) dielectric constant, (d) dielectric strength, (e) dielectric energy loss. Hypotheses are here established which account, in a general way, for the observed behavior of solid dielectrics. Definitions of the resistivity, permittivity, electric charge, and electric strength of solid dielectrics under both continuous and alternating potentials are submitted. Terms are introduced and defined: e. g., the ''(I-t)-characteristic,'' the ''electrization curve,'' and the ''hystero-viscosity loop.'' The various energy losses occurring in dielectrics are traced to their sources and subdivided into hysteresis, viscosity, and resistance losses. Methods are devised for separating the total dissipated energy into its three component parts. Finally, the classical theory is shown to apply to imperfect solid dielectrics if the submitted definitions and terms be adopted.