The influence of lagged axial magnetic field on the distribution of cathodes spots in current-zero stage of vacuum arc

The influence of lagged axial magnetic field (AMF) due to eddy current induced in contacts system on the distribution of cathode spots (CSs) in current-zero stage of vacuum arc with different current falling rates was investigated experimentally. Experiments were conducted with cup-shaped AMF contacts in a demountable vacuum chamber. The characteristic of CSs distribution of triggered vacuum arc in current-zero stage with arc current frequency of 50Hz was investigated at first with the aid of a high-speed digital camera with an exposure time of 2 microseconds. Then the characteristic of CSs distribution with faster current falling rate, which was realized by injecting a countercurrent with frequency of 500Hz or 1kHz, was investigated. Moreover, the lagged AMF flux density in current-zero stage with different current falling rates was calculated by ANSYS. Research results showed that CSs located in the center of contact plate tended to extinguish earlier than those at periphery of contact plate in fast current-zero stage due to the stronger lagged AMF in contact center.