Transverse magnetic field effects on a cross- flow arc

Experiments were conducted upon an 80 amp, 1.1 atm argon cross-flow arc in a constant velocity mainstream flow of 182.8 cm/sec; electrode spacing was held constant at 6.3 mm. Applied transverse magnetic fields ranged from the zero-balanced mode (B = 0) to the balanced configuration (B = 11.2 gauss). Isotherm distributions were obtained in several horizontal planes; cross-sectional shapes and profiles were thereby inferred. The arc cross-sectional shape was found to be noncircular in all cases. For the zero-balanced mode, the major axis of the cross-sectional shape was in the direction of flow; for the balanced configuration, the major axis was in the direction transverse to the flow. The experimental results indicated that the influence of the magnetic field was perceived throughout the plasma. For the zero-balanced mode, the effects of forced convection were found principally in the outer region; the inner core was approximately circular in cross section.