Thermal State of Cathode Assemblies in High-Current Plasma Systems

A nonlinear thermal problem is solved for composite cathode assemblies of high-current plasma devices. Variability of thermal and electrophysical properties of the structural elements of the assembly, volume (Joule heat generation) and surface (the effect of discharge plasma, convective and radiant heat exchange) sources, and sinks of heat have been taken into account in a two-dimensional statement of the problem. This allowed for a substantial increase in the accuracy of calculating the cathode temperature field. The thermal state of cathode assemblies depending on external parameters of the plasma device has been considered in detail. The effect of Joule heat generation and radiant and convective heat exchange components on the energy balance of electrodes with different geometries has been analyzed.