Positive corona inception in point-plane gaps as influenced by a surrounding dielectric enclosure

This paper is aimed at investigating the inception voltage of the positive corona in point-to-plane gaps in atmospheric air as influenced by a surrounding dielectric enclosure. First, the method of calculation of the inception voltage is explained. It is based on the criterion of self-sustained growth of onset streamers. This calls for calculating the electric field in the vicinity of the stressed point with and without the surrounding enclosure. Then, the calculated inception voltages are compared with those measured experimentally.