Downstream Conditions in a Constricted ARC with Radial Injection

The thermal, flow and electrical conditions are presented for the downstream portion of an argon arc with local fluid constriction. The arc is initially wall-stabilized in a 10 mm diameter water-cooled constrictor and at some point after flow becomes fully developed the arc is constricted by a radial inward jet. The redevelopment of the flow downstream of the injection slot is investigated by measurements of the pressure drop, wall heat flux and electric field. It is observed that redevelopment proceeds roughly as predicted by classical theory. Measurements of the electric field indicate that the region of maximum constriction is limited in extent.