High-current vacuum arc evolution in a six-gap rod electrode system

Abstract

Results of researches of pulse high-current vacuum arc evolution in a six-gap rod electrode system in the peak current range 10-100 kA are represented. The researches were carried out on a demountable vacuum tube with simultaneous registration of electrical parameters of discharge, discharge plasma glow and luminous spots on electrodes. Fast discharge transition from a trigger unit into inter-rod gaps at reaching current to 5-9 kA was revealed. Correlation between a moment of step-like voltage fall and a moment of formation of new discharge channel in the inter-rod gaps was shown. Various modes of vacuum arc in an inter-rod gaps and multiplication of discharge channels on all inter-rod gaps with growth of a current were observed. An effect of rise of current rate on process of a vacuum arc evolution was investigated.