LAUSR

The effect of a relatively short external axial magnetic field on the characteristics of a vacuum arc discharge in a vacuum circuit breaker is studied. A pulsed magnetic field is generated by external coils. The shape of the magnetic field pulse is one harmonic half-cycle with duration of 1.5, 2.8, or 4.5 ms. The magnetic field induction is regulated independently of the main discharge current. The use of a delay generator makes it possible to apply the magnetic field at different points of time relative to the main discharge current in the gap. It is assumed that the use of a pulsed magnetic field would provide a control over the burning regime of a high-current vacuum arc, i.e. realize the reverse mode with a transition from the active anode spot to the diffuse mode of discharge.