High-frequency（HF） partial discharge（PD） detection technique has high sensitivity

simple structure

mature technology and so on. It researches mainly on the practical application

but there is little research on transformer signal propagation theory. In this paper

basing on finite difference time domain（FDTD） method

a computer model of a 35 kV transformer is built up

and the impact of the pulse width

amplitude

distance of the source and the transformer core on HF PD is compared. Moreover

a HF PD test is performed on a real transformer to verify the integrity of the simulation results. Simulation and experimental results show that the propagation characteristics of HF PD signals subjects to a variety of factors

and it is significantly different from UHF signals. The research is helpful to the understanding of PD

and also provides a theoretical basis for the measurement and location of HF PD

which could play a guiding role in the practical application.