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oa The Mechanism of Electrode Erosion in Electrical Discharges
Physical Basis of the Low Erosion Rate of the Platinum Metals
- Source: Platinum Metals Review, Volume 7, Issue 2, Apr 1963, p. 58 - 65
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- 01 Jan 1963
Abstract
This paper outlines the nature of the various classes of electrical discharges—the high voltage capacitative spark discharge, the normal arc discharge, and the low voltage arc that occurs at electrical contacts—and discusses the physical processes that determine the dependence of the rate of electrode erosion on the physical properties of the metal. It is concluded that the most important properties conducive to low erosion rates are high boiling point, high thermal conductivity and high density, so providing the physical reason for the low erosion rates observed for the platinum metals when used as electrodes and electrical contacts.
© Johnson Matthey