Measurement of Electron Density Distribution During AC-GTA Welding in Mars-like Atmosphere by IR Method

Abstract

Electron density distribution during an alternative current gas tungsten arc generated under Mars-like atmosphere in a vacuum chamber was measured to clarify arc characteristics in Mars-like atmosphere. The electron density distribution was measured by Abel inversion processing and infrared method for plasma diagnostic, in which electron density was obtained by the spectral radiance of the arc. Measured results showed that the electron density distribution during electrode negative period in Mars-like atmosphere was spreader than that on Earth. Moreover, its peak value was about 2.5×10²² m^－3, which was almost one order lower than the result on Earth.