Temperature measurements on quasi-steady-state arc in an arc control device

The mathematical modelling of arcs in arc control devices usually needs information about the arc temperature. In the case of oil medium not only the arc control device but the oil carbonization and the precisely not known gas mixture where the arc exists restrict the available methods. The aim of the measurements was to determine the arc temperature in quasi-steady state inside an arc control device in oil medium. Experimental results showed that the maximum values of the recorded temperatures were between 12.000 and 20.000 K for air and oil media. The measured temperature seemed to be independent of the current in both cases. This suggests a change in arc cross section in coincidence with the current, as it is characteristic of arcs stabilized by forced convection. (author)