DC Arc Model Including Circuit Constraints

Digital computer techniques are used to simulate a steady-state d-c arc. The (longitudinal) input and (radial) loss powers to a section of the positive column are used to establish the positive column temperature and electron density. A power balance is also used to derive cathode conditions. Finally, current adjustment is made so that the positive column and cathode results agree. For given input conditions (voltage, arc length, gas), current and temperature are calculated; some input choices do not lead to valid arc conditions. Results are shown to compare well with experimental data.