Pattern analysis method was used to study DC breakdown characteristics of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film, with particular attention paid to the breakdown phenomenon identification. The breakdown pattern (BP) was recorded by a monocular-video-zoom microscope. The records showed that the effective area of BP was almost identical to the types of electrodes. The effective area was calculated by a mathematical integral method. The diameter was obtained by a mathematical statistic method. The study revealed that the DC breakdown voltage of LDPE was lower than that of HDPE. The diameter and effective area of LDPE were smaller than those of HDPE, but it is opposite for the condition of the needle-plane electrode with plane electrode grounded. As for the needle-plane electrode, the diameter and effective area with the films near the needle electrode were smaller than those near the plane electrode, and those in the middle of air gap were between them. As for the sphere-plane electrode, the diameter and effective area with the films near the plane electrode were smaller than those near the sphere electrode, and those in the middle of air gap were between them.
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