80 results about "Dielectric strength" patented technology

In physics, the term dielectric strength has the following meanings: Of an insulating material, the maximum electric field that a pure material can withstand under ideal conditions without breaking down. For a specific configuration of dielectric material and electrodes, the minimum applied electric field that results in breakdown. The theoretical dielectric strength of a material is an intrinsic property of the bulk material and is dependent on the configuration of the material or the electrodes with which the field is applied. The "intrinsic dielectric strength" is measured using pure materials under ideal laboratory conditions. At breakdown, the electric field frees bound electrons. If the applied electric field is sufficiently high, free electrons from background radiation may become accelerated to velocities that can liberate additional electrons during collisions with neutral atoms or molecules in a process called avalanche breakdown. Breakdown occurs quite abruptly, resulting in the formation of an electrically conductive path and a disruptive discharge through the material.