Potential and field distribution inside an axially split cylinder

Abstract

The paper presents a method of evaluation of potential and field distribution inside an axially split cylinder, one part of which is insulated and other maintained at ground potential. The Laplace's equation expressed in cylindrical polar coordinates is solved assuming no axial variation, and using boundary condition for the potential. The radial and angular components of the field intensity are found using the appropriate derivative operator in the cylindrical co-ordinate system. The condition under which the radial field is maximum, is derived in terms of angular widths of the conductors. If the radial field intensity exceeds the breakdown limit, the resulting breakdown of the gas leads to plasma generation inside the structure.