Numerical Model of Stepped Leader Growth Process in Homogenous Dielectric

Abstract

. We present a numerical model of stepped leader growth dur ing dielectric breakdown process in homogenous media. The electrodes and the stepped leader were modelled as conductors surrounded by a homogenous dielectric medium. We took in account the observations of a stepped leader in atmosphere and used a quasi-static approach. To simulate the time space, we alternatingly added a streamer to the leader and solved the system for unknown charges with method of moments, using Galerkin approach. For different values of generalized dielectric temperature kT and initial electrical energy C 0 U 2 /2 the results of the model were interpreted as various kinds of discharges, like corona, cold discharge, and discharges with branched leaders. The results suggest the existence of a single parameter that determines the type of breakdown in the particular class of discharges.