Effect of Axially Symmetric Magnetic Fields for Dynamics of Low-Current DC Vacuum Arc Plasma

In this paper, effects of four types of axially symmetric magnetic fields on the dynamics of low-current dc vacuum arc plasma, which is less than 30 A, were examined. Arcs were ignited by the opening of the butt contacts made of zinc. In the axial magnetic field, the arc plasma was restricted within a column, and the arc voltage rose with increasing gap length. When a magnet was arranged behind the cathode, the cathode spot rotated in the opposite direction to the Lorentz force (-J times B) on the edge of the circular-rod cathode. On the other hand, when a magnet was arranged behind the anode, the arc plasma was constricted on the anode side, and the lifetimes of the arcs became longer, although the arc voltage rose with increasing gap length. The compression effect of the axial component of the magnetic field was analyzed by introducing a simple magnetic piston model, and the experimental diameters of the arc column showed a good agreement with the model.