41

CHAPTER 3
COMPUTATIONS OF ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY USING
FEM APPROACH
3.1 INTRODUCTION
Computations of electric field intensity values to a good accuracy are
very useful for design of insulation in High Voltage equipments. With
increase in demand for electrical energy, operating voltage levels have
increased considerably over the past few decades . Therefore equipment
insulation designers are forced to reduce the size and weight of electrical
equipment from economic considerations . This is possible only through
an understanding of knowledge of electric fields and methods of
controlling electric stress to a good accuracy [ Refer Chap 4 High Voltage
Engineering Fundamentals , E.Kuffel , W.S.Zangel and J.Kuffel ] The
finite element method which is one of the eminent simulation technique
for obtaining solutions to boundary value problems is employed for
Computation of electric field Intensity.
In this chapter, a brief review of theory of electric field calculations,
implementation of the solution technique using FEM based ANSYS
Software, and results of electric field intensity calculations for the point
plane geometry selected are presented.
42

3.2 THEORY
Considering the fact that the electric field analysis is of prime
Importance, the first job is to identify the nature of associated fields. The
influencing factors for the fields are geometry and material property of
medium. Considering a region free of Charges, with the arrangement of
conductors subjected to voltages and dielectrics surrounding the
conductor having permittivity of , the governing field being conservative,
the equation for the field in the region is given by
.( )=0 ( Laplaces equation) 3.1
For isotropic homogeneous medium, equation (3.1) further reduces to a
more familiar form called the Laplaces equation, viz ;

2
=0 3.2
Also equation (3.1) being second order equation, one can specify both
potential and its derivative as the boundary conditions for getting a
unique solution.
3.3 DETAILS OF THE ELECTRODE CONFIGURATION
The most generally encountered electrode configurations for the
study of the physical mechanisms of Coronas are hemispherically capped
cylindrical rod plane or point plane gaps. In hemispherically capped
cylindrical rod plane arrangement, by varying the radius of the
electrode tip, different degrees of field nonuniformity can be readily
achieved. The point plane arrangement is particularly suitable for
obtaining a high localized stress. Also such situations are commonly
43

encountered in engineering practice. The schematic diagram of the
electrode configuration is shown in Fig. 3.1

Fig. 3.1 Electrode Configuration
r Radius of tip
g Gap distance
L Length of electrode Rp Radius of grounded plane
electrode
3.4 ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF FEM
The finite element method ( FEM ) is a numerical technique for
finding solutions of partial differential equations as well as of integral
equations encountered in practical engineering problems. The solutions
approach is based either mathematically solving the differential equation
completely ( steady state problems ) using mathematical analytical
methods or rendering the partial differential equation into an
approximating system of ordinary differential equations which are then
numerically integrated using standard techniques such as Eulers
method, Runge - Kutta.
44

In solving partial differential equations, the primary challenge is to
create an equation that approximates the equation to be studied, but is
numerically stable, meaning that errors in the intermediate calculations
do not accumulate and cause the resulting output to be meaningless.
The Finite element method is a good choice for solving partial differential
equations over complicated domains, when the domain dimensions vary.
The method is elegantly suited for computations of electric field
intensities for different regions of domain by suitably dividing the region
to achieve good accuracy. In view of the above, FEM is employed for
estimation of electric field Intensity which is highly nonuniform in the
entire inter electrode gap of hemispherically capped cylindrical electrode
and plane electrode. In this method, solution is obtained in terms of the
potential itself. Firstly, the whole problem region is fictitiously divided
into small area / volumes called elements. The potential, which is
unknown throughout the region is approximated in each of these
elements in terms of the potential at their vertices called nodes. As a
result of this, the potential function is unknown only at nodes. Normally,
a certain class of polynomials is only used for the interpolation of the
potential inside each element in terms of their nodal values. The
coefficients of this interpolation function are then expressed in terms of
the unknown nodal potentials. As a result of this algebra, the
interpolation can be directly carried out in terms of the nodal values. The
associated algebraic functions are called shape functions. The number of
45

vertices and number of terms in the interpolation Polynomial have one to
one correspondence in the iso parametric element formulation that is
generally employed with FEM for Electrical Engineering Applications.
Elements derive their name through their shape Viz, bar elements in 1 D,
triangular and quadrilateral elements in 2 D and tetrahedron and
hexahedron elements for 3 D problems. Now, for solving the nodal
unknowns, one cannot resort directly to the governing partial differential
equations since a piecewise approximation has been made to the
unknown potential. [1]

Therefore, alternative approaches have to be sought. one of such
classical approach is the calculus of variation. This approach is based on
the fact that potential will distribute in the domain such that the
associated energy will go to minimum ( or lowest extremum ). Based on
this approach, Euler has shown that the potential function that satisfies
the above criteria will be the solution of corresponding governing
equation. In FEM, with the approximated potential function,
extremization of the energy function is sought with respect to each of the
unknown nodal potential. This process leads to a set of linear algebraic
equations. In this matrix form, these equations form normally a
symmetric sparse matrix, which is then solved for the nodal potentials.
3.5 NECESSITY AND DETAILS OF FEM BASED ANSYS SOFTWARE
46

The construction of solutions to engineering problems using FEA
requires either the development of a computer program based on the FEA
formulation or the use of a commercially available general purpose FEA
program such as ANSYS. The volume of the equations to be solved is
usually so large that arriving solutions without using computer is
practically impossible. This is the reason for the need of different FEA
packages. one of the many FEA packages available for different
applications is ANSYS. The ANSYS program is a powerful, multipurpose
analysis tool that can be used in a wide variety of Engineering
disciplines. In the present work, ANSYS software version 9.0
[Multiphysics] is used to simulate electric field between point plane
electrodes. The investigator along with guides selected ANSYS Software
Version 9.0 Multiphysics based on discussion with specialists in the field
who are professors in foreign countries . The discussion was also held
with Smt.Ganga Joint director , CPRI Bangalore which supported the
same view .
3.5.1 STEPS TO SOLVE ELECTROSTATIC PROBLEM IN ANSYS
The different steps in a typical ANSYS analysis are :-
- Model generation.
- Simplifications and Idealizations.
- Define materials / material properties.
- Generate finite element model.
- Specify boundary conditions.
47

- Obtain the solution.
- Review results.
- Plot / list results.
- Check for validity.
A. BUILD GEOMETRY
If the physical system under consideration exhibits symmetry in
geometry, material properties and loading, then it is computationally
advantageous to model only a representative portion. If the symmetry
observations are to be included in the model generation, the physical
system must exhibit symmetry in all of the following :-
- Geometry.
- Material properties.
- Loading.
- Degrees of freedom constraints.
Different types of symmetry are :-
- Axisymmetry.
- Rotational symmetry.
- Plane or reflective symmetry.
- Repetitive or Translational symmetry.
In the present work, the model for electrode geometry consisting of
hemispherically capped cylindrical electrode and plane electrode (point
plane gap) has axisymmetry about a central axis. Therefore, the solution
can be obtained representing the electrode geometry as a 2 D model. The
48

above symmetry is also valid for the material properties, loading and
constraints. The use of axisymmetric model substantially reduces the
number of nodes and elements resulting in reduction of processing time
required for the solution while delivering the same level of accuracy in
the results.
B. DEFINE MATERIAL PROPERTIES
For the model represented, the appropriate material properties are
given as Inputs to the software program. For electric field calculations,
relative permittivity value of the medium in which the electrodes are
placed is to be given as input.
C. GENERATE MESH
Meshing is a critical operation in FEA. In this operation, the model is
divided Into large number of small pieces. The small pieces are called
mesh or finite elements. In general, a large number of elements provide a
better approximation of the solution, with resulting reduction in analysis
speed. However, in some cases, an excessive number of elements may
increase the rounding off errors. Therefore, it is important that the mesh
is adequately fine or coarse in the appropriate regions to achieve best
results. How fine or coarse the mesh should be in such regions is
another important question. Unfortunately, definitive answers to the
questions about mesh refinement are not available since it is completely
dependent on the specific geometry and domain considered.
49

The technique used for mesh generation in the present work is called
Mesh Refinement Test within ANSYS. An Analysis with an initial mesh
Is performed first and then reanalyzed by using twice as many elements
as used in the initial analysis. The two solutions are compared. If the
results are close to each other, the initial mesh configuration is
considered to be adequate. If there are substantial differences between
the two, the analysis should continue with a more refined mesh and a
subsequent comparison until convergence is established.
The ANSYS element library contains more than 100 different element
Types. Each element type has a unique number and a prefix that
identifies the element category, Beam4, Plane77, Solid96 etc. The
element type determines among other things, the degree of
freedom(which in turn implies the discipline-structural, thermal,
magnetic, electric, etc) and whether the element lies in two dimensional
or three dimensional space. In the present work, for electrostatic
analysis, Plane121 shown in fig3.2 which is a 2D quadrilateral 8 node
element is used. The element has one degree of freedom which is voltage
at each node. The 8 node elements are well suited to model curved
boundaries and ensure fast convergence even in regions where electric
stress gradient is too steep.
50


This element is based on the electric scalar potential formulation and It
is applicable to 2D electrostatic field analysis.
D. LOADING
In terminology of software, this refers to application of 1 volt potential
to point electrode. Field values for other voltages are a suitable
multiplication of these values corresponding to applied voltage.

51

E. SOLUTION
The solution of electric field intensity in point plane geometry with
the tip subjected to 1 Volt steady state is a time invariant process. So, a
steady state analysis is performed.
F. PRESENTATION OF RESULTS
After the solution, ANSYS software facilitates to present the results
chosen from many options such as Tables, Graphs and contour plots.
3.5.2 ANSYS PREPROCESSOR
Model generation is conducted in this processor which involves
material definitions, creation of a solid model and finally meshing.
Important tasks within this processor are to specify element type, define
real constants (if required by the element type), define material
properties, Create the model geometry, generate the mesh. Although the
boundary conditions can also be specified in this processor, It is usually
specified in the solution processor.
3.5.3 ANSYS SOLUTION PROCESSOR
This processor is used for obtaining the solution for the finite element
model that is generated within the preprocessor. Important tasks within
this processor are :-
- Define analysis type
- Specify boundary conditions
- Obtain solution

52

3.5.4 ANSYS GENERAL POSTPROCESSOR
The Analysis results are reviewed using postprocessors which have
the ability to display contours of potential field results, Vector field
displays, etc.
3.6 DETAILS OF DIMENSIONS OF POINT PLANE GEOMETRY USEDIN
FIELD CALCULATION
Fig. 3.1 shows the sketch of hemi spherically capped cylindrical
plane electrode configuration. Ideally the value of L should be
enormously high(infinity). However this is not feasible in practice. So in
order to arrive at a suitable practical Value for L required for
experimental investigations computations were carried out to calculate
the maximum electrical field intensity at the tip for different values of
length of rod Electrode. These calculations were carried out for minimum
value of radius r of tip ( minimum r=0.4mm).These calculations showed
that for a total length of rod electrode L greater than two and half times
gap distance g the calculated maximum field intensity values did not
increase by more than 0.1 % for an increase in length of rod by 4 %.
From these considerations a value of L equal to two and half times gap
distance (L=2.5g) was selected for computations of electric field
intensities. The value of D used in present investigations is 450mm.
Table 3.1 shows the values of radii of the tip, gap distance and the length
of the cylinder for which calculations were carried for electric field
53

intensity. Table 3.2 shows the variation of field intensity with length of
rod electrode.
TABLE 3.1
DIMENSIONS OF POINT PLANE GAP
Radius of tip, r
in mm
Gap distance in
mm
Length of the Rod L in
mm
[1] 0.4 10 25
15 37.5
20 50
30 75
45 112.5
[2] 0.45 20 50
30 75
40 100
45 112.5
50 125
[3] 0.5 10 25
15 37.5
20 50
30 75
45 112.5
[4] 0.6 10 25
15 37.5
54

20 50
30 75
45 112.5
[5] 0.75 20 50
30 75
40 100
45 112.5
[6] 1.0 10 25
15 37.5
20 50
30 75
45 112.5
[7] 1.5 10 25
15 37.5
20 50
30 75
45 112.5
[8] 2.5 10 25
15 37.5
20 50
30 75
45 90

55

The common procedures followed for computations of electric field
intensities for the above mentioned electrode configurations are :-
- Creation of key points Fig 3.3
- Creation of lines Fig 3.4
- Creation of areas Fig 3.5
- Generation of mesh Fig 3.6
- Application of loads Fig 3.13 & Fig 3.14
- Solution Fig 3.15
TABLE 3.2
VARIATION OF MAXIMUM FIELD INTENSITY WITH LENGTH OF ROD
ELECTRODE
SERIAL
NO
RADIUS
OF TIP, r
IN mm
GAP
DISTANCE
IN mm
LENGTH
OF THE
ROD IN
mm
ELECTRIC
FIELD
INTENSITY
AT THE TIP
V/m
ELECTRIC
FIELD
INTENSITY
AT THE
CATHODE
V/m
[1] 0.4 10 19 1908.92 21.5822
20 1905.66 21.1713
22 1899.82 21.5066
24 1895.5 21.7138
25 1893.25 21.806
56

26 1891.66 21.8888
[2] 0.4 15 28.5 1815.29 12.7272
30 1812.17 12.8215
33 1806.67 12.9881
36 1801.81 13.1264
39 1797.74 13.243





3.7 DETAILS OF MAXIMUM FIELD INTENSITIES OBTAINED AT
THE TIP OF POINT ELECTRODE :-

Values of electric field intensities obtained after following the procedure
described in 3.3 is presented in Table 3.3. Also field intensities at the
cathode are presented in Table 3.4. Further the ratio of tangential
component to normal component of electric field intensity at the
electrode air interface is presented in Table 3.5.

57

TABLE 3.3
MAXIMUM FIELD INTENSITIES AT THE TIP

SL.NO
Radius of
Tip, r in
mm
Gap distance
in mm
Length of
the rod L in
mm
Maximum
electric field
intensity
At the tip
Volt/metre
[1] 0.4 10 25 1905.66
15 37.5 1812.17
20 50 1716.01
30 75 1653.81
45 112.5 1588.75
[2] 0.45 20 50 1578.38
30 75 1501.49
40 100 1463.65
45 112.5 1448.43
50 125 1420.44
[3] 0.5 10 25 1570.46
15 37.5 1488.66
20 50 1417.96
30 75 1350.9
45 112.5 1296.15
58

[4] 0.6 10 25 1342.78
15 37.5 1269.33
20 50 1224.17
30 75 1163.18
45 112.5 1093.89
[5] 0.75 20 50 1006.7
30 75 957.092
40 100 920.274
45 112.5 909.502
[6] 1.0 10 25 872.88
15 37.5 818.122
20 50 773.049
30 75 732.513
45 112.5 692.911
[7] 1.5 10 25 622.217
15 37.5 581.887
20 50 546.3
30 75 515.256
40 100 495.542
48 120 483.956
[8] 2.5 10 25 421.463
15 37.5 384.18
59

20 50 363.256
30 75 333.167
45 112.5 313.526

TABLE 3.4
ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITIES AT THE CATHODE

Sl.no
RADIUS OF
TIP, r in mm
GAP
DISTANCE in
mm
LENGTH OF
THE ROD L
in mm
ELECTRIC
FIELD
INTENSITY
AT THE
CATHODE
V/m
[1] 0.4 10 25 21.1713
15 37.5 12.8215
20 50 8.90961
30 75 5.285
45 112.5 3.25865
[2] 0.45 20 50 9.15076
30 75 5.42087
40 100 3.85218
45 112.5 3.33538
50 125 2.9174
60

[3] 0.5 10 25 23.4129
15 37.5 13.755
20 50 9.30142
30 75 5.58253
45 112.5 3.42557
[4] 0.6 10 25 24.9558
15 37.5 14.6296
20 50 9.96852
30 75 5.84523
45 112.5 3.55844
[5] 0.75 20 50 10.6375
30 75 6.20025
40 100 4.38092
45 112.5 3.76251
[6] 1.0 10 25 30.1372
15 37.5 17.2742
20 50 11.6824
30 75 6.75156
45 112.5 4.0666
[7] 1.5 10 25 35.3158
15 25 19.8872
20 50 13.5906
61

30 75 7.69077
40 100 5.32821
48 120 4.20075
[8] 2.5 10 25 43.4438
15 37.5 24.611
20 50 16.3513
30 75 9.36479

TABLE 3.5
RATIO OF TANGENTIAL COMPONENT OF ELECTRIC FIELD
INTENSITY TO NORMAL COMPONENT OF ELECTRIC FIELD
INTENSITY AT THE ELECTRODE - AIR INTERFACE
R = 0.4, G = 10mm, L = 20mm
ETANGENTAL ENORMAL ET/EN %
5.87 e-4 1905.5 3.08 e-5
-5.1555 e-3 1905.1 2.706 e-4
4.60655 e-3 1904.5 2.418 e-4
0.0107561 1903.5 5.6506e-4
3.92145e-3 1902.3 2.0614e-4
-4.07179e-3 1900.8 -2.1421e-4
8.994929e-4 1899.1 4.7364e-5
-3.87578e-3 1897.1 2.043e-4
2.88897e-3 1894.8 1.5246e-4
62

-0.023434 1892.2

1.2384e-3
-0.0114087 1889.3 6.0385e-4

8.45876e-3 1886.2 4.4845e-4
-0.015455 1882.7 -8.2089e-4
0.0361156 1879 1.922e-3
-0.02429 1874.9 -1.2955e-3
1.908e-3 1870.6 1.0199e-4
-0.019 1865.9 -1.0182e-3
0.01354 1860.9 7.276e-4
0.02272 1855.6 1.2244e-3
0.069719 1849.9 3.7687e-3
0.03223 1843.9 1.7479e-3
-0.01412 1837.6 -7.6839e-4
0.05779 1830.8 3.1565e-3
0.011619 1823.7 6.3711e-4
0.0 1816.2 0.0
-0.02434 1808.3 -1.346e-3
0.04323 1800 2.4016e-3
-0.01145 1791.2 6.3923e-4
0.02266 1782 1.2716e-3
-9.5474e-3 1772.3 -5.387e-4
63

0.01648 1762.1 9.3524e-4
9.84753e-3 1751.3 5.6229e-4
3.47996e-3 1740.1 1.9998e-4
0.01616 1728.2 9.3507e-4
0.06554 1715.6 3.8202e-3
0.010457 1702.4 6.1425e-4
0.0172 1688.5 1.0186e-3
0.01385 1673.8 8.2745e-4
0.06589 1658.2 3.9735e-3
0.0511 1641.6 3.1128e-3
0.05488 1624 3.3793e-3
0.05231 1605.3 3.2585e-3
0.040378 1585.2 2.5471e-3
0.04422 1563.5 2.8282e-3
0.04597 1540 2.985e-3
0.05374 1514.3 3.5488e-3
0.04529 1485.9 3.0479e-3
0.08055 1453.6 5.5414e-3
-0.01247 1417.9 -8.7946e-4
-0.12459 1350.3 -9.2268e-3
-0.60341 732.62 -0.0823
2.0803 679.01 0.306
64

-0.54521e-1 655.3 8.32e-3
0.21011 633.33 0.03317
0.73261e-1 623.54 0.01174
0.66156e-1 616.44 0.01073
0.37976e-1 612.15 6.203e-3
0.22026e-1 609.68 3.6127e-3
0.66306e-2 608.65 1.0893e-3
-0.62773e-2 608.63 1.0313e-3
-0.18506e-1 609.51 3.0362e-3
-0.30878e-1 611.12 -5.0526e-3
-0.42003e-1 613.39 -6.8476e-3
-0.54862e-1 616.23 -8.9028e-3
-0.67610e-1 619.54 -0.01091
-0.80415e-1 623.37 -0.0129
-0.9607e-1 627.67 -0.0153
-0.11173 632.41 -0.01766
-0.13001 637.6 -0.02039
-0.14939 643.26 -0.02322
-0.17232 649.39 -0.0265
-0.19886 656.01 -0.0303
-0.22784 663.16 -0.0343
-0.25861 670.89 -0.0385
65

-0.30998 679.2 -0.0456
-0.32603e-1 688.3 -4.7367e-3
-5.7427 704.47 -0.815
-0.14492 750.47 -0.0193
-0.65034e-1 762.73 -8.526e-3
-0.37333e-1 773.92 -4.8238e-3
-0.19453 788.64 -0.02466
-0.28219 805.04 -0.03505
-0.42214 824.47 -0.0512
-0.54013 847.15 -0.0637
-0.71244 873.93 -0.0815
-0.97595 906.77 -0.1076
-3.8027 950.25 -0.4
-1.8026 1020.9 -0.1765
1.2681 1120.1 0.1132
-1.3563 921.28 -0.1472
-0.85058 923.32 -0.0921
-1.3039 930.99 -0.14005
-0.70236 945.09 -0.0743
-0.64341e-1 972.58 -6.615e-3
0.9059 1011.4 0.0895
0.83692 1068.7 0.0783
66

1.754 1151.7 0.15229
9.9973 1266.2 0.78955
39.666 1499.2 2.6458

3.8 MAXIMUM FIELD INTENSITY AS CALCULATED FROM
EXPRESSIONS FOR FIELD NON UNIFORMITY FACTOR
The mean electric field over a distance d between two electrodes with
a Potential difference of V12 is [2]
Eav =
12 V
d
.
3.3
In nonuniform fields, the field nonuniformity factor (f) is defined as
the ratio of maximum value to average value of electric field intensity.
f =
m
av
E
E
3.4
Field non uniformity factors have been given in graphical form [ 3,4,5
] or in tables [ 6,7,8 ] by some investigators. An expression has also been
suggested [8] as an approximation of the field nonuniformity factor when
the gap length S is atleast 50 times as large as the rod end radius r.

0.6 , 50
S S
f
r r
= > 3.5
However, there are many cases when rod plane gaps are used with
rather small s/r ratios.

67

Y.Qiu [9] has presented two simple expressions of the field
nonuniformity factor for the hemispherically capped rod plane gap with
s/r ranging from 1 to 500.

6
ln
0.45 , 3< 500
ln
S
S S r
f
S r r
r
| |
|
\ .
= <
| |
|
\ .
3.6

3 0.85*(1 ),
S
r
s
f
r
< = +

3.7
Equations (3.6) and (3.7) can be used for s/r ranging from 1 to 500,
with an accuracy within 5% which is sufficient for engineering
application purpose. Using expressions 3.3, 3.4, 3.6 and 3.7, maximum
field intensity at the tip is computed and presented in Table 3.6.
TABLE 3.6
Maximum Electric Field Intensities as Computed by Using
Expressions for F as Given by QIU

Sl.no
Radius
of tip, r
in mm
Gap
distance
S in
mm

S/r

Em/EAV
EAV
V/m



Em V/m
[1] 0.4 10 25 17.512 100 1751.2
15 37.5 25.217 66.66 1680.96
20 50 32.8 50 1640
30 75 47.756 33.33 1591.707
45 112.5 69.83 22.22 1551.62
68

[2] 0.45 20 44.44 29.44 50 1472
30 66.66 42.794 33.33 1426.32
40 88.88 55.96 25 1399
45 100 62.508 22.22 1388.927
50 111.11 69.0178 20 1380.356
[3] 0.5 10 20 14.38 100 1438
15 30 20.6118 66.66 1373.98
20 40 26.74 50 1337
30 60 38.815 33.33 1293.703
45 90 56.626 22.22 1258.23
[4] 0.6 10 16.66 12.272 100 1227.2
15 25 17.512 66.66 1167.35
20 33.33 22.66 50 1133
30 50 32.8 33.33 1093.22
45 75 47.75 22.22 1061.005
[5] 0.75 20 26.66 18.543 50 927.15
30 40 26.74 33.33 891.2442
40 53.33 34.8117 25 870.2925
45 60 38.815 22.22 862.469
[6] 1.0 10 10 8.0 100 800
15 15 11.216 66.66 747.66
20 20 14.382 50 719.66
69

30 30 20.611 33.33 686.96
45 45 29.78 22.22 661.71
[7] 1.5 10 6.66 5.829 100 582.9
15 10 8.0 66.66 533.28
20 13.33 10.148 50 507.4
30 20 14.382 33.33 479.352
40 26.66 18.544 25 463.6
48 32 21.84 20.83 454.927
[8] 2.5 10 4 4.126 100 412.6
15 6 5.4 66.66 359.964
20 8 6.7 50 335
30 12 9.293 33.33 309.735
45 18 13.121 22.22 291.55

Graphs of Electric Field intensity along the axis of a hemispherically
Capped cylinder for different radii r=0.4mm, 0.45mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm,
0.75mm,1.0mm,1.5mm and 2.5mm and different gap lengths G=10mm
15mm,20mm,30mm,40mm,45mm are shown in Fig. 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10,
3.11 and 3.12.




70







71




72






73





74


75



76


77


78


79

80


81


82



Figure 3.13 Application of loads to FEM Model
83



Figure 3.14 Application of loads to FEM Model (Enlarged view)
84



Figure 3.15 Electric Field Intensity Solutions (Query Results along the
Axis)
85


Figure 3.16 Plot of length of rod L in mm vs Gap distance in mm

Figure 3.17 Plot of Electric field intensity at the tip in V/m vs length of
rod in mm
86


Figure 3.18 Plot of electric field intensity at the cathode in V/m vs Length
of rod in mm.

Figure 3.19 Plot of maximum electric field intensity at the tip in V/m vs
gap distance in mm.
87


Figure 3.20 Plot of electric field intensity at the cathode in V/m vs Gap
distance in mm.
3.9 CONCLUSIONS
The computational investigations using ANSYS (Multiphysics ),
version 9.0 software has resulted in the following conclusions.
1. The ANSYS (Multiphysics ), version 9.0 software can be used to
calculate electric field intensity values between point plane gaps for
entire interelectrode gap spacing for different electrode geometries.
2. For the point plane gaps and for radius of hemispherical tip value
0.5mm and above, the electric field intensity does not vary by more
than 0.1 % over a distance of one mean free path in air at
atmospheric pressure.
3. The maximum value of field intensity on the hemispherical central tip
of point electrode using ANSYS software for point plane gaps is in
good agreement with corresponding values published in literature [ ].
88

4. Suitable dimensional details have been designed for point plane gaps
for carrying out experimental investigations and obtain results to good
accuracy [ Refer section 3.6 , page 52 ] .
3.10 REFERENCES
1. Matthew N.O.Sadiku Elements of Electromagnetics,2004
ISBN:01-19-513477-X Oxford University Press, New York.
2. M.S.Naidu, V.Kamaraju High voltage Engineering, 1997,
ISBN:0-07-4662286-2, Tata McGraw. Hill publishing company
limited New Delhi.
3. H.Steinbigler, Anfangsfeldstarken und Ausnutzungsfaktoren
rotationssymmetrischer Elektrodenanordnuugen in Luff, PhD
thesis Technical university of Munich, 1969
4. H.M.Ryan, Electric Field of a rod-plane spark gap, IEE
proceedings, vol.117,pp,283-284,1970
5. R.Brambilla, A.pigini, Electric field strength in typical high voltage
Insulation, International symposium on High voltage Engineering,
Zurich, September 1975
6. A.A.Azer, R.P.Comsa, Influence of field nonuniformity on the
breakdown Characteristics of sulfur hexafluoride, IEEE
Transactions on Electrical Insulation, vol. EI-8,pp. 136-142,1973.
7. Y.Safar, N.H.Malik, A.H.Qureshi, P.H.Alexander, Effect of
grounded enclosure On the field distribution of Rod-Plane gaps,
89

Gaseous Dielectrics 111 (Edited by L.G.Christophorou), pergamon
press, pp.522-526,1982.
8. E.S.Kolechitsky, Calculation of Electric Field of high voltage
installations, Energoatom press, Moscow,pp.46-49,1983,(in
Russian)
9. Qiu. Simple Expressions of field non uniformity factor for
hemispherically Capped rod plane gaps, IEEE Trans on E.I Vol
21, PP 673 675, 1986.


CHAPTER 4
APPARATUS AND EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUE
4.1 INTRODUCTION
A description of the apparatus used, the experimental procedure
followed in nonuniform field studies and the measurement technique
used for the measurement of various quantities during the investigations
are presented in this chapter.
4.2 EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
The corona inception potentials mentioned in previous chapters can
be computed from a knowledge of current multiplication in non uniform
field gaps. This requires the measurement of initiatory current and the
current at corona onset. Also, the experimental determination of corona
onset voltage is required for comparison with computed values of the
90

same. The numerical investigations do not consider possible influence, if
any, of the polarity of the applied voltage and the type of material.
In the present study, corona inception voltages have been determined
for different materials and radii of hemispherically capped electrodes
from experiments for D.C. Voltage applications of both polarities. Also,
the experimental set up enabled the measurement of rise time of corona
pulses and investigations on negative polarity coronas.