Fundamentals of interruption in vacuum

In analyzing the behavior of a vacuum arc during interruption, a mathematical model was set up to describe the events occurring in the interelectrode gap during interruption. The reliability of the results obtained using such a model depends on the accuracy of the initial assumptions made in setting up the model equations. Previous results compared to experimental data revealed a discrepancy close to current zero. Some of the original model assumptions have been reconsidered in order to make the model more closely represent the physical reality of a vacuum arc.