1. What is Breakdown Voltage?

Breakdown voltage is the minimum voltage that causes a dielectric material to become electrically conductive. It's a critical parameter in designing capacitors, insulators, and other electrical components.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the breakdown voltage equation:

Where:

• \( V_{bd} \) — Breakdown voltage (V)
• \( \epsilon_0 \) — Vacuum permittivity (8.854×10⁻¹² F/m)
• \( E_{bd} \) — Dielectric strength (V/m)
• \( d \) — Thickness of dielectric (m)

Explanation: The equation calculates the voltage at which a dielectric material of given thickness will break down based on its intrinsic dielectric strength.

3. Importance of Breakdown Voltage

Details: Knowing the breakdown voltage is essential for designing safe and reliable electrical insulation systems, capacitors, and high-voltage equipment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter vacuum permittivity (default is 8.8541878128×10⁻¹² F/m), dielectric strength in V/m, and thickness in meters. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is typical dielectric strength for common materials?
A: Air: ~3×10⁶ V/m, Glass: ~14×10⁶ V/m, Mica: ~118×10⁶ V/m, Teflon: ~60×10⁶ V/m.

Q2: How does temperature affect breakdown voltage?
A: Generally, breakdown voltage decreases with increasing temperature due to increased electron mobility.

Q3: What's the difference between AC and DC breakdown voltage?
A: AC breakdown voltage is typically lower than DC due to dielectric heating and partial discharges.

Q4: Can breakdown voltage be increased?
A: Yes, by using materials with higher dielectric strength, increasing thickness, or using vacuum/insulating gases.

Q5: What happens after breakdown occurs?
A: The material becomes conductive, often causing permanent damage through localized heating or arcing.