A self-consistent analytical model of arc spots on electrodes

A simple model of quasi-stationary electrode spots in arc discharges is presented. For a given dependence of parameters of the near-electrode plasma layer on the local surface temperature and on the voltage drop in the layer, the model allows one to evaluate integral parameters of the spots without using empirical parameters such as the value of the electric current per spot or arbitrary suppositions such as the principle of minimum voltage. Analytical formulas are obtained for the spot radius, integral heat flux removed by heat conduction, and the electric current per spot.<
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