Dynamic Temperature Measurements in Alternatic Current Arcs

Using spectroscopic and high speed data acquisition (less than 5 ¿s) techniques, instantaneous measurements of the radial distribution of temperature within atmospheric argon alternating current arcs have been obtained. Incorporation of electronic synchronization methods has permitted such distributions to be determined at any predetermined relative time within the current cycle. The methods described can be applied to phenomena occurring within circuit breaker and switchgear devices. Phase lag between minimum centerline temperature and current zero was observed. The timewise variation of arc radius within the currents cycle was determined.