Cu vapour

Low direct current arcs generated between Cu electrodes in atmospheric pressure air are investigated in relation to low-voltage switching. Electrical and optical measurements and high-speed imaging give insight into the dynamics of the arc. Side-on spectroscopy with a grating spectrometer and suitable optical imaging delivers spatially resolved spectral emission coefficients of three emission lines of the Cu atom. The experimental findings are compared with results from modelling.

The data correspond to the results of modelling studies of DC electric arcs at a current of 2 A in air with admixture of copper metal vapour. Experimental findings are used to adjust input parametrs of the model in order to achieve a good match. The simulations are performed strating with a discharge burning with a minimum gap length of 30 µm for a physical time of 11 ms. Then, the separation of the electrodes is followed for further 51 ms and the discharge gap is increased up to 3 mm. The comparision of experimental and modelling data is based on the measured arc voltage.