Visualization of particulates distribution from electrode erosion

Particulates generated from electrode erosion in gas spark gap is inevitable and may initiate self-breakdown behavior with high risk. Traditionally, this problem is addressed by empirical method qualitatively. To push this old problem forward, this paper conducts laser confocal microscopy measurement of eroded surface and a statistical method is introduced to obtain visualization of particulates distribution from electrode erosion after different shots. This method allows dense particulates to be classified with their heights in z direction and scattered figures of particulates within certain height range are obtained. Results indicate that the higher-than-10 μm particulates start to emerge after 200 discharge shots and particulates number has a waved radial distribution with a 0.5 mm wide deposition zone. Based on these quantitative results, the risk of reignition and field-distortion failure that are triggered by particulates can be assessed. (paper)