Optoelectronical Position Indicators Applied to Arc-Motion Research

Two optoelectronical position indicators yielding continuous information about the arc motion are presented. The application of a system consisting of one of these position indicators and a proper computer system yields information comparable with highspeed cinematography. However in contrast to film technique, the evaluation of one test is very inexpensive and requires only a small amount of time. These two optoelectronical position indicators are applied to arc-motion research, and the various stages of the arc motion influenced by a transverse magnetic blast field in an opening contact (e.g., arc immobility and initial arc motion, arc running, and arc-spot commutation) are discussed. The experiments show that these devices are especially qualified to be used in arc-motion re- search.