Les of High Intensity Electric Arcs

Abstract

An electric arc is a kind of discharge that appears at relatively high current densities and is characterized by low cathodic fall. Electric arcs are often used for conversion of electrical energy to thermal energy in applications such as welding, arc furnaces and also in devices such as current interrupters. In the latter case, the arc interacts with the flow of cold gas in a chaotic, turbulent-like fashion resulting in an enhanced transfer of energy from the core of the arc to the cold environment which is of importance for current interruption.