Anode Current Density Distribution Measurements for Different Vacuum Arc Modes Subjected to Axial Magnetic Field

We report our measurements of anode current density distributions for different modes in vacuum arc discharge using a split-anode and a cup-shaped axial magnetic field cathode configuration system. The modes investigated included the diffuse arc and anode spot. The anode surface was divided into four regions: one central region and three symmetrical-disposed peripheral annular-arc regions. Three different-sized central regions were selected with diameters of 12, 18, and 20 mm. The contact material was CuCr25 (25% Cr). The arc current in the tests ranged from 6 to 14 kA (rms) at 50 Hz. The opening velocities were 1.8 and 2.4 m/s, respectively. The currents of the four areas on the anode contact were measured by four Rogowski coils situated outside the vacuum chamber. The experimental results show the current density distribution in different arc modes. For the diffuse arc mode with arc currents of 6 and 8 kA (rms), the average current density in the central region at current peak ranged from 8.5 to 15.9 A/mm². The anode spot current density ranged from 31.9 to 37.7 A/mm², estimated from the current density in the eroded region caused by the anode spots covering the entire central region of diameters 12 and 18 mm, at currents of 12 and 14 kA, respectively, regarded as the lower limit current density of the anode spot. Moreover, the dependence of the current density distribution on opening velocity in diffuse arcs was slight. For the anode spots, the current density distribution with higher opening velocity was more concentrated.