Discussion on Initiation of Tree Propagation of Fatigue Failure Type from a Simulated Tree Channel

In this paper, I have investigated relationship between partial discharge (PD) in a simulated tree channel and tree growth of fatigue failure type from its tip at temperature range from 20°C to 70°C. Voltage dependence of total number of PD pulses in voltage range where shape-parameter m in Weibull distribution was m_??_1 was obtained. Relationship between total number of PD pulse n and applied voltage V is represented by n∝V-α for each temperature. The exponents α do not change with temperature rise. Ahrrenus plot of total number of PD pulses allows to estimate activated energy to be 4.7kcal/mol. This value is less than chemical bonding energy of polymer chain such as C-C and C-H bonds, but is in good accord with physical one such as van der Waals force between CH3 bonds.