High-Speed Imaging and Radiative Energy Measurements of a High-Current Pulsed Arc in Air

A high-current pulsed arc struck between a 100-mm electrode gap in open air was experimentally studied by time-resolved imaging. The arc was created by a discharge current with an amplitude of 10 kA and a duration of about 10 ms. A high-speed camera was used to investigate the dynamic behavior of the arc. The images extracted from the video show in particular strong interaction between the anode and cathode jets.