Dielectric Materials and Electrostatics

An introduction to the physics of electrical insulation, this book presents the physical foundations of this discipline and the resulting applications. It is structured in two parts. The first part presents a mathematical and intuitive approach to dielectrics; various concepts, including polarization, induction, forces and losses are discussed. The second part provides readers with the keys to understanding the physics of solid, liquid and gas insulation. It comprises a phenomenological description of discharges in gas and its resulting applications. Finally, the main electrical properties of liquids and solids are presented, in order to explain the phenomena of electrical degradation, dissipation and breakdown.

Foreword ix

Chapter 1. Mathematical Examination of Dielectrics 1

1.1. Introduction to dielectrics 1

1.2. Perfect dielectrics 15

1.3. Forces exerted on polarized dielectrics 34

1.4. Dielectric losses 45

1.5. Residual charges 50

1.6. Electrets 51

1.7. Characteristics of an insulator 52

1.8. Pyro and piezo-electricity 54

1.9. Currents in extended conductors 63

Chapter 2. Physical Examination of Dielectrics 81

2.1. Gaseous dielectrics 81

2.2. Liquid and solid dielectrics 138

Bibliography 185

Appendix 1. List of Figures 187

Appendix 2. List of Symbols 193

Appendix 3. List of Useful Values 197

Appendix 4. Reminder about Dielectric

Spectroscopy 199

Appendix 5. Reminder about Transitory

Currents 201

The Authors 203

Index 205