Breakdown in dielectric refers to the phenomenon where an insulating material, also called a dielectric, loses its ability to resist electrical current and becomes conductive. This breakdown can occur due to the application of a high voltage, which can create an electric field strong enough to overcome the dielectric’s resistance and cause an electrical discharge or spark. This can lead to damage or failure of electrical equipment or components.
Breakdown in Gases
A breakdown in a gaseous dielectric refers to the phenomenon in which an electric field applied to a gas causes the gas to become conductive, allowing electricity to flow through it. This occurs when the electric field strength exceeds a certain threshold value, known as the breakdown voltage. The exact mechanism of breakdown in a gaseous dielectric can vary depending on the type of gas and the conditions under which the breakdown occurs. Some common mechanisms include the formation of ions and electrons through the ionization of atoms or molecules in the gas, and the acceleration of these charged particles by the electric field.
Breakdown in Liquid
A breakdown in a liquid dielectric refers to the phenomenon in which an electric field applied to a liquid causes the liquid to become conductive, allowing electricity to flow through it. This occurs when the electric field strength exceeds a certain threshold value, known as the breakdown voltage. The exact mechanism of breakdown in a liquid dielectric can vary depending on the type of liquid and the conditions under which the breakdown occurs. Some common mechanisms include the formation of bubbles or cavitation in the liquid, and the acceleration of ions or other charged particles in the liquid by the electric field.
The breakdown voltage of a liquid is generally lower than that of a gas and is highly dependent on the liquid’s properties such as its purity, temperature, pressure and the presence of dissolved gas. It is also affected by the electrodes and container materials used in the experiment.
Unlike gaseous dielectrics, liquid dielectrics tend to recover quickly after breakdown, as the conductive path is cleared by the physical movement of the liquid.
Breakdown in Solid
Breakdown in a solid dielectric refers to the phenomenon in which an electric field applied to a solid causes the solid to become conductive, allowing electricity to flow through it. This occurs when the electric field strength exceeds a certain threshold value, known as the breakdown voltage. The breakdown voltage of a solid dielectric is generally higher than that of a liquid or gas dielectric.
The exact mechanism of breakdown in a solid dielectric can vary depending on the type of solid and the conditions under which the breakdown occurs. Some common mechanisms include thermal breakdown, in which heating caused by the electric field leads to the formation of conductive paths through the solid; mechanical breakdown, in which the stress caused by the electric field causes physical damage to the solid, creating conductive paths; and electronic breakdown, in which the electric field causes the movement of electrons within the solid, leading to the formation of conductive paths.
Breakdown in solid dielectrics can have catastrophic consequences, such as causing fires or explosions in electrical equipment. Therefore, it is important to use materials with high dielectric strength and to design equipment to withstand the high electric fields that can cause breakdown.
Ankit Sharma is the Chief Editor at Uptu Khabar. He is passionate about new age digital marketing tools and their integration with the AI.