Correlation between numerical field computation and experimental investigations on the parameters governing the flashover behavior of solid/liquid interfaces

This paper compares experimental investigations dealing with the ac breakdown and flashover strength of liquid insulated gaps without and with a parallel solid/liquid interface in a non-uniform electrical field with results obtained from field calculations obtained using the finite element method. The liquids investigated were a mineral based transformer oil and an ester liquid, the solid insulating materials were laminated paper, glass-fiber reinforced epoxy resin, and polyethylene.