Electrification of human body by walking
Journal of Electrostatics, 64 (1):
10--16 (January 2006)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.elstat.2005.04.002
Abstract
The process of electrification of the human body by walking on resistive
floors has been analysed and the corresponding body potential measured.
A model for electric body potential caused by walking has been proposed
and then verified experimentally. The model combines two main processes:
an exponential increase of potential due to successive charging and
potential oscillations caused by periodic changes of body capacitance
during walking. The conditions for initiation of Paschen's microdischarges
running in the gaps between floor and soles of walker's footwear
have been specified and a corresponding relation for minimum saturated
body potential causing Paschen's discharges has been derived. This
saturated critical potential has been found to be much higher than
that usually attained by walking on common floors which explains
why the Paschen discharges did not appear in such air gaps. On the
other hand, the microdischarges developed between uncovered parts
of the human body and grounded metallic objects have been found to
be likely even with common floor and sole materials.