Theory of a field-limiting dielectric

This paper investigates the power frequency properties of a dielectric for which the conductivity is an exponential function of the electric field. Oil-paper constitutes the best known example of such a system. The properties of such a system are revealed through rigorous solution of Poisson's equation, which facilitates accurate estimates of current and power densities. The analysis indicates that the expression for limiting field determined from circuit theory is approximately correct and that a dielectric with an appropriate exponential dependance of conductivity on electric field might be defect tolerant, i.e., the resistivity could change with field in a manner which would not allow dangerously high fields.< >