Measurement of fundamental discharge coefficients

For the quantitative assessment and prediction of insulation discharge properties, one requires knowledge of quite a range of quantities referred to in the title as "discharge coefficients". Their determination may require a variety of techniques, but one always needs a model of the discharge-preferably a simple one. The parameters can be measured in discharges of one form or another, but in order to be able to derive generally valid data from an experiment, one has to have very clearly defined, unambiguous conditions-these are best found in straightforward setups. In this paper, the author thus confines himself, whenever possible, to homogeneous electric fields and linear processes. He does not consider plasmas and thermal discharges, although some of the parameters he determines can also be useful in the description or assessment of such.