Walter Michael M.

In this contribution, we report on the application of a novel, high accuracy, arc characterization method to wall constricted arcs in cylindrical nozzles with low blow pressure. The method makes use of a novel current source that is able to produce nearly arbitrary current shapes. With it, it is possible to derive the stationary and transient arc characteristic independent of each other but within one experiment. The arcs under investigation are aimed for application in HVDC circuit breakers with passive resonance principle. The example shown in this contribution, an arc axially blown with air at p=1.5bar, nicely demonstrates the power of this novel characterization method.