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Effect of Cathode Microstructure on Arc Velocity and Erosion Rate of Cold-Sprayed Copper Cathodes in a Magnetically Rotated Atmospheric Pressure Arc

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Abstract

Atmospheric pressure arc velocity and erosion measurements were performed on cold-sprayed cathodes in a continuously running arc system. Ultrahigh purity (99.99% pure) argon was used as plasma forming gas. An external magnetic field of 0.10 T was used to rotate the arc, which was operated at a constant power of 6 kW (40 V). Cathodes having microstructures with mean grain sizes, ranging from 1.12 to 3.06 μm, were produced using cold spraying (CS) and annealing methods. CS cathodes were tested in their as-sprayed state and annealed state. Annealed CS coatings with near equi-axed grains of 2.29 μm average size gave 60% higher steady-state arc velocities and up to 50% lower erosion rates than massive copper cathodes having 20-23 μm average grain size. An effect of cathode microstructure on arc velocity and on arc erosion rates was observed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Christian Moreau and Dr. Jean-Gabriel Legoux of IMI, Montreal, Canada for producing the coatings and providing valuable knowledge on the subject matter, and the EUL funds for their financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A 2B2

    Keith D’Sa, Lakshminarayana Rao & Richard J. Munz

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  1. Keith D’Sa
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  2. Lakshminarayana Rao
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  3. Richard J. Munz
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Correspondence to Lakshminarayana Rao.

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D’Sa, K., Rao, L. & Munz, R.J. Effect of Cathode Microstructure on Arc Velocity and Erosion Rate of Cold-Sprayed Copper Cathodes in a Magnetically Rotated Atmospheric Pressure Arc. J Therm Spray Tech 17, 574–582 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11666-008-9210-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11666-008-9210-4

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