New studies of the arc discharge

THE equation V = A + B/Iⁿ which represents correctly all normal arc characteristics is used as the starting point for a general discussion of arc phenomena and industrial applications. Tests of this equation are applied to iron arcs in various gas atmospheres to obtain a series of values for A and B making possible certain deductions about arc voltage variations and significance of the characteristics. In limiting the current exponent n, the anode temperature must exert considerable influence upon the discharge as a whole. Suggestions are given why this may be so. A value of n is predicted from the arc stream geometry, and is compared with actual values of n for various arcs.