Rikkoutumisjännitys

Rikkoutumisjännitys, often translated as breakdown voltage, is a critical electrical property of insulating materials. It represents the maximum electric field strength that an insulating material can withstand without losing its insulating properties and becoming conductive. When the electric field applied across an insulator exceeds its breakdown voltage, the material undergoes a sudden and significant decrease in electrical resistance, allowing current to flow through it. This phenomenon is known as dielectric breakdown.

The breakdown voltage is influenced by several factors, including the material's composition, thickness, temperature, and the presence of impurities or defects. Different insulating materials have vastly different breakdown voltages. For instance, air has a much lower breakdown voltage than materials like glass or ceramics. In electrical applications, knowing the breakdown voltage of insulating materials is crucial for designing safe and reliable electrical equipment. Exceeding this limit can lead to short circuits, equipment failure, and potential safety hazards. Electrical insulation is designed with a significant safety margin, ensuring that the operational electric fields remain well below the material's breakdown voltage. The concept is also relevant in understanding phenomena like lightning strikes and the electrical properties of semiconductors.