On the Steenbeck minimum principle for arc discharges and its comparison with the constant property arc

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Abstract
The foundations of the Steenbeck minimum principle for arc discharges are reexamined. The basis of its apparent experimental confirmation is also reexplored. It is shown that Steenbeck verified a consequence of either his minimum principle or the constant property arc by using measured values of arc radius. It is further shown that the arc radius obtained as a consequence of the minimum principle is at complete variance with experimental observations. However, the predictions of the constant property arc are shown to be in general agreement with experimental results. We conclude that Steenbeck's minimum principle is incorrect (even as an approximation), and that the constant property arc model provides an adequate description of electric arc discharges.

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