The breakdown behavior of impulse stressed polyethylene in dependence on the parameters characterizing lightning impulses

Investigations on the influence of various lightning impulse stresses, with and without superimposed oscillating voltages of various frequencies and amplitudes, on the impulse voltage strength of polyethylene, are presented. The experimental investigations result in conclusions about the breakdown behavior of impulse stressed polyethylene, thus leading to a discussion about the necessity for modifications of the actual standards in which lightning impulse tests are defined, in order to make them more convenient for the future.