Streamer propagation in water

Prebreakdown events in water have been photographed for selected electrode geometries. From these measurements, the modes of propagation were identified and the propagation velocities were estimated. Streamers propagating from the anode were an order of magnitude faster than the initial cathode propagation mode. The measurement results are compared with similar results obtained in hydrocarbon and silicon oils. Knowledge of streamer propagation phenomena is required to predict and control switching behavior.