Effect of electrical conductivity anisotropy on the properties of a high-current vacuum arc

The steady state characteristics of a magnetically stabilized high current vacuum arc were analyzed, taking into account the electron density dependent electrical conductivity anisotropy due to a magnetic field. A marked difference in plasma characteristics between the case of isotropic conductivity and the case of anisotropy conductivity arises in the pressure balance of the arc column and in the axial current distribution. The electron density dependent anisotropy factor of Braginskii¿s theoretical formula and tentative mathematical formulas are discussed. The measured are pressure agreed well with the analytical value obtained from the tentative mathematical formula. A more critical analysis should be applied to the validity of Braginskii¿s formula.