Arcing voltage of the metal vapour vacuum arc

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Abstract
Arcing voltage characteristics of metal vapour arcs in vacuum for seven metals (copper, aluminium, tin, magnesium, zinc, cadmium and bismuth) of high purity and low gas content have been investigated. These metals cover a fairly wide range of thermophysical parameters. A triggered vacuum switch with circular butt contacts of 75 mm diameter and 15 mm separation was used and the discharge current was varied up to about 10 kA. The low-current arcing voltage and average current per cathode spot are reported for these metals. The empirical relationships for arcing voltages are derived for the linear range of the voltage-current characteristics. Voltage-current characteristics in axial magnetic fields up to 0.2 T are presented and the observed similarities and differences in the behaviour of the metals investigated are explained. Finally, the axial magnetic field necessary for giving a minimum arcing voltage is discussed.

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