Study of Electrode Attachment Regions in High Current Gaseous Discharges

摘要

This report discusses an experimental and theoretical study of electrode attachment regions in a high-current gaseous discharge, particularly in the mechanisms causing retrograde motion of the arc attachment spot on the cathode. Work included mathematical analysis and formulation of a theory of cathode emission under these operating conditions and experimental investigations to correlate the theory with observed effects. Experiments and apparatus for measuring power loss to arc cathodes were set up. Analysis of the retrograde motion of the cathode spot was made, and experiments to confirm the analysis were performed. The study was resulted in the definition of a mathematical problem. The MHD equations must be solved in the electrode and in the gas, and the two solutions matched at the interface. (Author)