disruptive discharge

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. the sudden, large increase in current through an insulating medium resulting from complete failure of the medium under electrostatic stress.

---

disruptive discharge British  

noun

1. a sudden large increase in current through an insulating medium resulting from failure of the medium to withstand an applied electric field

---

Example Sentences

Such lamps have been operated by me with current impulses of the enormous frequencies obtainable by the disruptive discharge of condensers.

From The inventions, researches and writings of Nikola Tesla With special reference to his work in polyphase currents and high potential lighting by Martin, Thomas Commerford

The fact, however, is, that disruptive discharge is favourable to itself.

From Experimental Researches in Electricity, Volume 1 by Faraday, Michael

Yet the rod on the spire of Somerset Street Church, nearby and eastward of the State-House, but lower, has been seen to receive a disruptive discharge.

From Lippincott's Magazine, Vol. 26, August, 1880 of Popular Literature and Science by Various

Single disruptive discharge of great intensity, at Greensboro, N.C.

From The Boy with the U. S. Weather Men by Rolt-Wheeler, Francis

Thus the three very different modes of discharge, namely, conduction, electrolyzation, and disruptive discharge, agree in producing the important transverse phenomenon of magnetism.

From Experimental Researches in Electricity, Volume 1 by Faraday, Michael