Propagation of Streamer Discharges from Bundle Conductors

摘要

The final goal of this long-term research project has been set to derive a reliable theoretical method that would allow calculation of the extent and range of streamer propagation from various conductor configurations. The need for this study exists because presently there is no theory or even empirical formula, exact or approximate, with which it is possible to predict with any degree of accuracy the propagation extent of streamers from transmission line conductors. Streamer initiation and propagation depends on the electric field and its distribution in the neighborhood of the surface of the conductor. The propagation extent of the streamers is responsible for the intensity of radio noise generated from the conductor. The steps to be undertaken in this project have been divided into three main phases: (1) calculation of the electrostatic field vector of different conductors everywhere in the gap by digital computer techniques; (2) theoretical derivation of the criteria for the propagation of a positive streamer discharge based on Loeb's theory; (3) experimental determination of the positive streamer propagation on various smooth conductors to verify the theoretical results obtained. (Author)