A sensitive device for the measurement of the force exerted by the arc on the electrodes

In this paper a very sensitive device allowing the measurement of the forces exerted on an electrode by an electric arc is presented. The device principle is based on the use of a piezoelectric transducer. The calibration of the device is explained and experimental results are presented concerning the force exerted on various electrode materials (Ag and AgSnO/sub 2/) for cathodes and anodes. Force measurements have also been realized for various cover gases (air and argon) and for various arc current pulse durations.<
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