ABSTRACT
An unified model of plasma column and anode region of the electric arc with refractory cathode burning in inert gas is described. This model allows to take into account the non-uniform distribution of anode voltage fall in the region of anode binding, which makes description of the near-anode plasma more adequate. The model can be used for calculation of thermal, gas-dynamic and electromagnetic characteristics of arc plasma and characteristics of its thermal, electric and force impact on the anode surface, depending on arc current and length, kind of inert gas and anode material. Testing and verification of the model has been carried out, the results of which indicate its applicability to the numerical study of the above characteristics.
