Spectral electrical and dynamical analysis of a 50 Hz air gliding arc

Abstract

In the frame of works devoted to chemical interactions between an atmospheric air gliding arc and aqueous solutions, an analysis of the plasma flow from its ignition location to the liquid surface is performed. The major reactive species are identified and quantified by means of spectroscopic analysis. Emphasis is laid on the ignition zone located at the narrowest electrodes gap where high electron temperature and high electron density are measured. The evolution of the arc voltage and current intensity is analyzed in relation to the characteristics of the A.C. power source. The arc roots and column movements are described by means of a high motion picture camera. The axial mean velocity of the flow is determined from experimental and theoretical ways then compared with the velocity of the arc column. As characterized by high frequency relaxation oscillations, the operating of this gliding arc strongly differs from the one usually adopted in the literature.