Plasma and Spot Phenomena in Electrical Arcs This book is devoted to a thorough investigation of the physics and applications of the vacuum arc – a highly ionized metallic plasma source used in a number of applications – with emphasis on cathode spot phenomena and plasma formation. The goal is to understand the origins and behavior of various complex and sometimes mysterious phenomena involved in arc formation such as cathode spots electrode vaporization and near electrode plasma formation. The book takes the reader from a model of dense cathode plasma based on charge exchange ion atom collisions through a kinetic approach to cathode vaporization and on to metal thermophysical properties of cathodes. The picture is further enhanced by an in depth study of cathode jets and plasma acceleration the effects of magnetic fields on cathode spot behavior and electrical characteristics of arcs and cathode spot dynamics. The book also describes applications to space propulsion thin film deposition laser plasma generation and magnetohydrodynamics making this comprehensive and up to date volume a valuable resource for researchers in academia and industry. . Preface Introduction 1 Base Particle Surface and Plasma Particle Effects 2 Atom and Electron Emission from the Metal Surface 3 Arc Spot as a Local Heat Source 4 The Transport Equations and Diffusion Phenomena in Multicomponent Plasma 5 Plasma Surface Transition at the Cathode of a Vacuum Arc 6 Vacuum Arc Emission 7 Arc and Cathode Spot 8 Electrode Erosion 9 Electrode Erosion and Macroparticle Generation 10 Electrode Energy Losses and Effective Voltage 11 Repulsive Effect and Force Phenomena Due to Plasma Jet Reaction 12 Cathode Spot Jets 13 Spot Motion in a Transverse and in Oblique Magnetic Field 14 Anode Phenomena in Electrical Arcs 15 Cathode Spot: Previous Theoretical Models 16 Cathode Spot Diffusion Model: Mathematically Closed Theory 17 Cathode Spot Kinetic Model: Physically Closed Theory 18 Spot Plasma and Plasma Jet 19 Cathode Spot Motion in Magnetic Fields 20 Short Arc: Vacuum Arc Spot Thruster 21 Vacuum Arcs with Refractory Anode 22 Laser Spot: Laser Plasma Generation 23 Effects of Current Carrying Wall in a Plasma Flow in a Magnetohydrodynamic Duct: Arcing Mode Conclusions Index.