Electrical Breakdown - Disruptive Devices

Disruptive Devices

A disruptive device is designed to electrically overstress a dielectric beyond its dielectric strength so as to intentionally cause electrical breakdown of the device. This results in the sudden transition of a portion of the dielectric from an insulating state to a highly conductive state. This transition is characterized by the formation of an electric spark (plasma channel), possibly followed by an electric arc through part of the dielectric material. If the dielectric happens to be a solid, permanent physical and chemical changes along the path of the discharge will significantly reduce the material's dielectric strength, and the device can only be used one time. However, if the dielectric material is a fluid or gas, the dielectric can fully recover its insulating properties once current through the plasma channel has been externally interrupted. Commercial Spark gaps use this property to abruptly switch high voltages in pulsed power systems, to provide surge protection for telecommunication and electrical power systems, and ignite fuel via spark plugs in many internal combustion engines.