Motion studies of high current arcs using an optical fiber array based imaging system

McBride, J. W., Sharkh, S. M., Cross, K. and Kim, S. Y. (2009) Motion studies of high current arcs using an optical fiber array based imaging system. 2009International Session on Electro-Mechanical Devices (IS-EMD2009), Tokyo, Japan. 19 - 20 Nov 2009. pp. 1-4 .

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

This paper presents an integrated portable measurement system for the study of high speed and high temperature unsteady plasma flows such as those found in the vicinity of high current switching arcs. The system permits direct and non-intrusive measurement of arc light emission images with a capture rate of 1 million images per second (1MHz), and 8 bit intensity resolution. Novel software techniques are reported to measure arc trajectories. Results are presented on single high current (2kA) discharge events where the electrode and arc runner surfaces are investigated using 3D laser scanning methods; such that the position of the arc roots on the runner can be correlated to the measured trajectories. The results show evidence of the cathode arc root stepping along the arc runners, and regions of where the arc runner is eroded by a stationary arc.

Text

Motion_Studies_of_Cathode_Roots_in_High_Current_Arcs_using_an_Optical_Fibre_Array_based_Imaging_System.pdf - Other

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