Anode current density in high-current pulsed arcs

Abstract

A method has been developed using a split anode to measure the anode current density distribution in high-current pulsed arcs. Rogowski coils were used to detect the current to each half of the split anode as a function of arc position relative to the splitting plane. Transformation equations were derived to obtain local values of current density from the measured lateral distributions. The data were taken using a copper anode in air at one atmosphere with arc current from 750 to 2250 A. The peak anode current densities were found to be between 3.4×105 and 5.5×105 A/cm2.