Numerically Calculated Properties of a Wall-Stabilized Electric Arc

Abstract

Some properties of a static electric arc in a circular cylindrical tube are calculated numerically. The radiative influence in the problem is accounted for in a simplified way, and the assumed variations with temperature of the radiated power density, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity represent an attempt to cover the whole range of conditions from a weakly ionized gas to a fully ionized gas. With these theoretical expressions for the gas transport properties (i.e., thermal conductivity, etc.), it is possible to calculate the temperature distribution in the arc and, hence, the voltage gradient‐current characteristic of the arc and to compare the results with experimental results. The distinct disagreement between these theoretically produced results and experimental results seems to indicate a fundamental discord between the theoretical expressions for the gas‐transport properties, and their experimental values, that merits further investigation. The calculations also indicate that the arc is heat‐conduction dominated at very high currents (as well as at very low currents).