Prediction of Anode Temperatures of Free Burning Arcs Using a Simplified Unified Model

Free burning arcs where the work piece acts as an anode are frequently used for a number of applications. Our investigation is exclusively concerned with a simplified unified model of arcs and anode under steady state conditions at atmospheric pressure. The model is used to make predictions of arc and anode temperatures and arc voltage for a 200 A arc in argon. The computed temperatures along the axis between the cathode tip and the anode surface compare well the measured data. This knowledge of free burning arcfeatures can play a role in developing the atmospheric plasma systems, however, further investigation should include the modelling of Cu evaporation from anode and non-LTE situation near electrodes for more realistic calculations.