Abstract
A model is developed describing the interelectrode plasma generated by a multi‐cathode‐spot cathode as a conducting fluid flowing from the cathode to the anode. The model is analyzed numerically for a sample physical situtation consisting of a 3‐kA Cu vapor arc between 25‐mm‐diam electrodes separated by 9 mm, in which case the mass density and fluid velocity are found to be 5×−5 kg/m3 and 7×103 m/s, respectively. The fluid flow is analyzed and a constriction caused by the magnetic pinch force is found to develop near the anode. A constriction in the current flow is also calculated, caused primarily by the Hall current.

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