1997/09/01 by B M Smirnov, Boris M. Smirnov, M B Smirnov +1
Physics and Astronomy · Engineering · #Vacuum and Plasma Arcs #Metal and Thin Film Mechanics #Plasma Diagnostics and Applications
paper · doi:10.1088/0031-8949/56/3/014
Parameters of a plasma are analyzed for the positive column of an arc discharge of high pressure and high power under conditions of local ionization equilibrium in the plasma. Analytical expressions for distribution of plasma parameters over the discharge cross section are obtained for the case when heat transport is determined by gaseous and electron thermal conductivity. From this it follows that the contraction of the positive column of arc discharge is possible only at small currents. Calculations and analysis of xenon discharge show an instability of discharge at small electron temperatures or small electric fields due to the Ramsauer effect. Characteristics of the positive column of xenon discharge are analyzed.