First Annual Report on Contract N00014-91-J-4114 (Space Power Insulation Institute),

Abstract : High frequency, high voltage properties of electrical insulation for space applications have been characterized for the first time at high field and voltage levels - to frequencies up to 30 kilohertz and voltages to 5 kilovolts. Degradation has been observed at these high frequences (as will be used in voltage converters or are present in high frequency oscillations observed under insulation fault conditions - such as clearing in metallized capacitors) in the voltage withstand level implying significantly reduced life in such systems. This may be minimized for fluid impregnated systems as work this year shows marked reductions an aging rates for such systems wherein the fluid dielectric constants match or exceed those of the insulating materials.