Axial mass transport and distribution of particles in D.C. arc plasma

Abstract

A model is proposed to establish the axial distribution of added substances in an arc plasma. Particles with a higher ionization degree in the plasma are retained by the cathode. This causes a decrease in the axial transport velocity of particles newly arriving in the vicinity of the cathode. Consequently, this decrease of transport velocity causes an increase in the density of particles and their radiation density. Such an assumption is confirmed by measurement of the axial transport velocities. The theoretical consideration here is based on the works of B oumans and K rinberg and S mirnova, and takes into account the stated phenomena of decrease of axial transport velocities near the cathode. Using the results of the experimentally determined axial radiation density distribution, the axial distribution of particle transport velocities was calculated. The proposed model to establish the axial distribution of added substances contributes to the explanation of cathode layer enrichment of radiation density.