The subject is introduced by a review of some of the work of others which seems not to be generally known. Its beginning is traced to the application of three well known principles of eleotrostatics which are presented in detail. Examples of the limitations of elementary electrostatic theory are set forth.
Taken in the order of their influence, each of ten or more factors which control the arc-over strength of solid insulators in air are analyzed, with experimental data accompanying each analysis.
A new means of increasing the arc-over strength of an insulator is suggested and experimental results for a few samples are presented.
Time did not permit extending the investigation to the arc-over strength of insulators under oil, but many of the factors herein analyzed for insulators in air apply almost directly to oil.
A mechanism of arc-over of solids in air is suggested although a great deal more data will be necessary to justify it.
1. Namely the behavior of dielectrics of different specific inductive capacity when used in series, in parallel, and in some intermediate arrangement.
