Article

Plasma Investigations
2003. V. 41. № 4. P. 428–433
Prozorov E.F., Ulyanov K.N., Fedorov V.A.
The effect of external magnetic field on a vacuum arc
Annotation
The effect of an external longitudinal magnetic field on the time required for anode spot formation in a high-current ($5$ to $12$ kA) vacuum arc is experimentally studied, and the minimal value of a magnetic field inhibiting the anode spot formation is determined. The experimental results are compared with theory. The phenomenon of break of current in a low-current ($100$ to $300$ A) vacuum discharge upon superposition of a magnetic field with transverse component on the discharge is investigated. The probability of break of current increases with the magnetic field. The possible mechanism of break of current is discussed.
Article reference:
Prozorov E.F., Ulyanov K.N., Fedorov V.A. The effect of external magnetic field on a vacuum arc, High Temp., 2003. V. 41. № 4. P. 428