Polymer/air interface space charge determined by a pressure wave propagation technique

The application of high DC voltage to a polymer/air insulation system can result in space charges on the interface. The space charges can cause significant distortions of the electric field distribution, which may trigger a surface flashover or breakdown in the insulation system. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to measure the space charge on a polyester/air and PTFE/air interface by using a pressure wave propagation technique (PWP) under DC voltage.