Influence of the tip effect of a carbon nanostructure on low current electrical arc initiation

Abstract

During their setting off, circuit breakers and vacuum switch devices are accompanied by an electric arc whose physical and chemical properties are governed by emissive current sites at the cathode surface called cathode spots. Assuming the continuity of the current on the cathode surfaces, the cathode spots contribute to supply the electrical arc by electron emission and material ejection. Thus they cause erosion on the contact electrodes inducing a dysfunction of contactors. The apparition of these cathode spots is due essentially to dust particles and surface irregularities at different scales. This experimental work represents a contribution to the understanding of the electrical arc behaviour by an investigation at submicronic scale on the influences of nanostructured carbon tips on the electric arc initiation and the cathode spots birth.