Space Charge in Gamma and Electron-Beam Irradiated XLPE

Abstract

The current study focuses on the influence of ionizing radiation on the dynamics of space charge in crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) with the presence of a stored charge. For this purpose, electron-beams have been chosen to implant charges in a regulated manner near to the grounded electrode. At the completion of the irradiation procedure, the Pulsed Electro Acoustic (PEA) technique was utilized to quantify space charge in each sample under ambient circumstances. The measurements of space charges in the presence of a 40 kV/mm electric field reveal the formation of two heterocharges close to the implanted charge and the anode respectively. The charge accumulated persists during the relaxation and electrostatic equilibrium appears to be reached inside the insulation between the various types of charges.