Investigation of anode and cathode jets influence on electric arc properties with current up to 500 kA

Summary form only given, as follows. Arcs with discharge current amplitude up to 500 kA were investigated in hydrogen and air at initial pressure from 0.1 MPa up to 40 MPa. It was found that anode and cathode jets influence both on the discharge channel properties and heat transfer between the arc and the surrounding gas: 1. High temperatures at the jet base can influence on the rate of discharge channel expansion by photoionization of metal vapor of ignition wire. 2. Formation of shock-compression zones because of jet interaction with the electrodes and themselves results in increase of voltage drop on the arc. 3. Powerful vortex motion of gas near the discharge chamber walls appears due to the jets and it intensifies heat transfer between the arc and the surrounding gas.