Breakdown phenomenon in insulators of submarine power cables

(Received 25 May 1992, revised 19 February 1993, accepted 16 March 1993)

Abstract
Dielectric characteristics of polyethylenes used for the cable insulation under submarine working conditions (temperature and pressure) have been investigated by the authors. From experimental results, a modelling of the short time breakdown was proposed by numerically solving the fundamental heat balance equation. Electromechanical effect has been also taken into account in this model. Theoretical results are in good agreement with observed data.