Vacuum arc anode phenomena

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/TPS.1983.4316225· OSTI ID:5551759

Miller, H C

This paper briefly reviews anode phenomena in vacuum arcs, specially experimental work. It discusses, in succession, arc modes at the anode, anode temperature measurements, anode ions, transitions of the arc into various modes (principally the anode spot mode), and theoretical explanations of anode phenomena. The two most common anode modes in a vacuum arc are a low current mode where the anode is basically passive, acting only as a collector of particles emitted from the cathode, and a high current mode with a fully developed anode spot. Characteristically this anode spot has a temperature near the atmospheric boiling point of the anode material and is a copious source of vapor and energetic ions. However, other anode modes can exist. The dominant mechanism controlling the transition of the vacuum arc into the anode spot mode depends upon the electrode geometry, the electrode material, and the current waveform of the particular vacuum arc being considered. In specific experimental conditions either magnetic constriction in the gap plasma or gross anode melting or local anode evaporation can trigger the transition. However, the most probable explanation of anode spot formation is a combination theory, which considers magnetic constriction in the plasma together with the thermal, electrical, and geometric effects of the anode in analyzing the interaction between the gap plasma near the anode and the anode itself.

• Research Organization: General Electric Co., Neutron Devices Dept., St. Petersburg, FL 33733
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00656
• OSTI ID: 5551759
• Journal Information: IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States) Vol. 11:2; ISSN ITPSB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420700* -- Engineering-- Vacuum Engineering-- (-1987)
ANODES
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC ARCS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRODES
PLASMA
VACUUM SYSTEMS