Electrode Phenomena in Transient Arcs

Abstract

High current, short duration arcs between various metals in air have been studied by means of a Kerr Cell camera and by observation of the marks left on the electrodes. Growth of these marks with arc duration is discussed and shown to be due to heat conduction in the case of the anode marks and to motion of the emitting areas in the case of cathode marks Cathode spot temperatures are frequently too low for thermionic emission even on metals of high boiling point At very high rates of current rise both anode and cathode marks are multiple Show more