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 situation 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 multiplied by 10** minus **5 kg/m**3 and 7 multiplied by 10**3 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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2339-2344 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Journal of Applied Physics |
| Volume | 48 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| State | Published - 1977 |