Homogeneity and stability of volume electrical discharges in gas mixtures based on SF6

The electric parameters of the volume discharge and the transition of the discharge from the volume combustion to the channel stage are experimentally studied. It is shown that cathode spots of a hemispherical shape appear at the stage of the discharge formation. Over them, plasma plumes are developed which are combined to form a volume column of the discharge plasma. The discharge homogeneity increases with increasing density of the cathode spots. The distortion of the shape of cathode spots initiates the development of plasma channels. The development of the plasma channel is computer simulated. The results of calculations are discussed and compared with experimental data.