Space charge packets in polyethylene nano-scales under dc applied voltages

In this paper, we are interested in space charge packet phenomenon generated at submicron scales in insulating polyethylene materials that have not been extensively investigated in all previous theoretical modeling and experimental works. Indeed, a bipolar charge transport model is proposed to simulate space charge dynamics in nano-scale polyethylene material under dc high electric field. For these scales, our results show space charge packet appearance which induces new dynamics that are marked on injected and conduction current oscillations. In addition, our results also show the establishment of post breakdown phenomena that are indicated by an external current abrupt increase without saturation. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.