Theory for the Cathode Mechanism in Metal Vapor Arcs
- 1 May 1961
- journal article
- research article
- Published by AIP Publishing in Journal of Applied Physics
- Vol. 32 (5) , 916-923
- https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1736133
Abstract
It is shown that in the cathode drop region of a metal vapor arc, there are four equations and two limiting conditions relating five dependent variables. The five dependent variables treated are temperature of the cathode spot, electric field at the cathode, total current density, current density carried by electrons, and the radius of the spot. When these equations are combined, a current level is found below which no solution exists. It is proposed that this current corresponds to the point at which a vacuum arc extinguishes in an alternating‐current circit. Experimental measurements of the current level at which this event occurs have been made, and the results are compared with the theoretical calculations.This publication has 17 references indexed in Scilit:
- Energy Distribution and Cooling Effect of Electrons Emitted from an Arc CathodeJournal of Applied Physics, 1960
- Electron Emission from the Arc Cathode Under the Influence of the Individual Field ComponentJournal of Applied Physics, 1959
- Fundamental Processes of the Short ArcBell System Technical Journal, 1959
- T-F Theory of Electron Emission in High-Current ArcsJournal of Applied Physics, 1959
- Electron Emission at High Fields Due to Positive IonsJournal of Applied Physics, 1959
- Burning Voltage of Arcs in High VacuumNature, 1958
- Thermionic Emission, Field Emission, and the Transition RegionPhysical Review B, 1956
- Two Distinct Types of Short ArcsJournal of Applied Physics, 1956
- Dynamik des Plasmas IIZeitschrift für Naturforschung A, 1951
- The Cathode Drop in an Electric ArcPhysical Review B, 1929