Abstract
Experiments show that for small specimens of pure ice corona discharges can be sustained at temperatures greater than a critical value, Tc, as a result of the flow of current through the ice surface. However, at a well defined temperature (Tc=-18±1°C) corona is extinguished because the surface conductivity σs is insufficient to support the corona current. A model of current flow through the ice surface is then used to calculate as at the temperature Tc; a maximum value of about 2×10-9ohm-1 was obtained. Ice specimens whose surface were deliberately doped to give a higher value of σs were found to possess lower threshold temperatures Tc.
