Abstract
Arc-boundary profiles have been measured with sonic axial gas flow in a cylindrical constrictor using nitrogen (a convenient equivalent for air), sulphur hexafluoride and argon. The current range was 0.1–2.4 kA, the constrictor pressures were 2 and 6 bar and arc lengths were up to 55 mm. The arc expansion indicates that convection is dominant and that theories for a discharge transition region are appropriate. The visible region of the arc spreads over the upstream electrode, probably due to metal vaporisation and gas-flow effects.

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