Dynamics of combined electrical discharges near the surface in a constant magnetic field.

Combined surface discharges in a constant magnetic field were investigated experimentally. Supply of electrical pulses to the electrodes occurred in parallel from a pulsed high-frequency generator and the battery of capacitors. Organization of electric discharges was realizations of distributed sliding discharge scheme. The magnetic field was created by rare-earth magnet located under the bottom plate electrode. It is shown that in a magnetic field the surface discharge region acquires a complex philomental structure, which leads to the forming of plasma channels and sustained arc discharge at last. In addition, a system of electrodes with sectional cathode was considered, that allowed to initiate a cascade of arc discharges. In both cases, the arc discharges moves under the action of an electromagnetic force. Velocity of the central part of discharge was up to 160 m/s at air pressure of about 6–7 kPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]