Improved Monte-Carlo simulator of partial discharge

A previously introduced Monte-Carlo simulator of partial discharge (PD) has been extended and made more versatile to allow simulation of a wider range of observed discharge behavior. The version of the simulator described here allows simulation of pulsating PD that can be represented as a point process and covers such properties as nonstationary behavior associated with PD-induced modifications of the discharge site and statistical characteristics of multi-site discharges. In the present work, it is shown how the simulator can be applied to gain insight into the physical basis for the previously reported anomalous stochastic behavior of PD generated by applying low-frequency alternating voltages to point electrodes that touch the surface of pure Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/.