FLASHOVER ON ICE SURFACES

The main objective of the present study is to further our understandin g of the influence of ambient temperature, freezing water conductivity and nature of applied voltage on the surface flashover of ice. Flasho ver tests were carried out using two metallic hemispherical capped rod s 12 mm in diameter, separated by an ice surface. The distance between the electrodes was 18 mm. Ice surface flashover voltage was determine d under alternating, DC-positive and DC-negative voltages using a meth od based on 50% withstand voltage. The results obtained show that flas hover voltage on ice surfaces decreases with an increase in ambient te mperature and freezing water conductivity. Moreover, flashover voltage depends on the nature of the applied voltage. (C) 1998 Elsevier Scien ce B.V.