Erosion action of a microstructured spark channel on the surface of a plane copper electrode

Using a 3D optical profilometer, an erosion spot on the surface of a plane copper electrode has been studied. The spot arises under the action of the microstructured channel of a spark discharge initiated in atmospheric pressure air in a point–plane gap. It has been found that such spots are aggregations of microcraters. The shapes and sizes of microcraters have been determined.