A deterministic model for branched structures in the electrical breakdown of solid polymeric dielectrics

We present a completely deterministic model for the electrical-tree breakdo wn mechanism in solids, and show that it is capable of generating branched structures even when the polymer is assumed to be homogeneous. The model is non-linear in the local electric fields and contains feedback features. Th ese generate deterministic chaos in the discharges driving the breakdown, s uch as have been observed in laboratory experiments. It is surmised that it is this chaotic behaviour which is responsible for the branching.