Impulse electric breakdown in liquid hydrocarbons. The picture of the phenomenon in a strong nonuniform field with low probability of breakdown

Results are given of research in the field of experimental studies of the physical mechanisms of pulsed spark discharge in liquid hydrocarbons (mineral transformer oils) using present-day integrated diagnostic methods. The emphasis is on the study of the fundamental phenomenon, i.e., the leader process, which accompanies the development of streak lightning and the breakdown of long (laboratory) air gaps and presumably exists in the case of development of breakdown in compressed gases and liquids. The general picture of the phenomenon is formulated for a strong nonuniform field with low probability of breakdown, and further investigation objectives are defined.