Effects of the anode vapor on the anode erosion with deformation in vacuum arc

This paper investigates the anode deformation under the effects of the anode vapor in the vacuum arc. A self-consistent model is established to simulate the arc parameters, the anode temperature and the anode deformation. The simulations predict that the anode can be melted under sufficient high current, forming a melting pool on the anode surface. When the anode temperature is high enough, the anode vapor has great effects on the fluidity of the melting pool on the anode surface. In addition, the movement of the melting pool can affect the anode temperature and thus affect the anode vapor characteristics. The melting pool can exist even after the current zero, which may be harmful to the post-arc period. Simulation results indicate that a self-consistent model is necessary for analyzing the anode deformation.