Characteristics of Macroparticle Emission from a High-Current-Density Multi-Cathode Spot Vacuum Arc

Macroparticle mass transport, size distribution, and spatial distribution were studied in a 6.5-MA/M2 25-ms Cu multi-cathode spot (MCS) vacuum arc. The macroparticle erosion rate was determined to be 105 μg/C, and together with ionic emission, accounted for most of the cathodic erosion. The number of macroparticles emitted decreased exponentially with macroparticle diameter, with 20-80-μm macroparticles carrying the bulk of the mass transport. Macroparticles are emitted preferentially at an angle of 20° with respect to the cathode surface. In comparison to previous investigations, higher macroparticle erosion rates, a larger proportion of large macroparticles, and a higher emission angle are observed, and the differences are attributed to the large current density used in the present experiment.