The Electric Arc as a Circuit Element

Abstract

Static and dynamic voltage-current characteristics of the electric arc are reviewed, with emphasis on high-current arcs. Typical arc behavior in both d-c and a-c circuits is described with oscillographic examples. The nature and use of some mathematical models for explaining and predicting dynamic behavior of arcs in their connected circuits are considered. Separate contributions to dynamic arc behavior of the arc column and of the electrode regions are discussed. © 1955, The Electrochemical Society, Inc. All rights reserved.