Computer simulations of discharges along insulator surfaces

Development of streamer discharges in air along surfaces of solid insulators is analyzed by means of computer simulations utilizing drift-diffusion model of charge transport in discharge plasma. The results are presented for smooth cylindrical insulator and insulator with a shed. Variations of electron densities, space charges and electric fields profiles during discharge propagation are reported. The influence of a protective shed on the insulator on the discharge development is highlighted.