| Abstract: | The effect of the atmosphere composition and the electrode material and design on the discharge shape and variation in the
process of its development and in the steady-state regime is investigated. Graphites of different modifications, tungsten,
and copper were used as electrode materials and air, argon, and helium as baseline atmospheres. It is established that the
discharge shape (the shape of the glow region in the interelectrode gap) considerably depends on the actual composition of
the atmosphere which is determined by the composition of the baseline atmosphere and additions introduced in the interelectrode
gap either upon electrode evaporation or with a special purpose. The electrode material influences the steady discharge shape
via precisely these additions. |
