The effect of water film thickness and conductivity on discharge initiation and propagation over an ice surface

Experimental studies were carried out to analyze and better understand the effect of water film thickness and applied water conductivity on arc propagation process over an ice surface. The thickness of the water film was found to be a determinant factor for discharge initiation and initial current level. As concerns the conductivity of the water used for ice formation it was found that it has a decisive role on the rate of current increase.