Effect of cathode geometry on modes of current transfer to cathodes of high pressure arc discharges

This paper investigates a general pattern and stability of steady-state modes of current transfer to thermionic cathodes of complex geometries which are closer to ones of real devices. Axially symmetric tungsten cathodes of two shapes have been considered: rod cathodes with a hemispherical tip and with a spherical protrusion on top; rod cathodes with variable curvature of the front surface. Results show that no 3D steady-state modes of current transfer have been found.