Influence of ultrasonic vibration on the static characteristics of an arc with a non-consumable electrode

In this study, the influence of focused ultrasonic vibration (UV) in the arc column with a non-consumable electrode on the electrophysical characteristics of the arc, near-electrode voltage drops, and the shape and structure of the arc column discharge were investigated. It was determined that a focused ultrasonic field in the welding arc column leads to an increase in the arc discharge voltage. Focusing UV on the electrode and in the welding bath does not increase arc voltage. In contrast, the presence of a focused ultrasonic field in the electrode region of the welding arc increases its voltage by 0.9 V. Under the influence of UV, the voltage drop in the cathode region on the arc increases by approximately 2 V, and it increases by 0.8 V in the anode region. However, the voltage in the arc column decreases slightly. The impact of a focused ultrasonic field reduces the arc diameter in the anode region and the column. In contrast, near the cathode region, the diameter increases, indicating a change in the nature of the cathodic flow of charged particles in this area.