An experimental study of a high-current vacuum arc generated between two static CuCr25 contacts spaced 20 or 30 mm apart was conducted to characterize the arc appearance and the cathode spot (CS) distribution. The arc was ignited from the lateral surface of the cathode and controlled using an external axial magnetic field. Under the investigated experimental conditions, three distinct arc modes have been observed: multiple arc, diffuse, and diffuse columnar modes. The latter appeared at low $B_{\mathrm {AMF}}/I_{\mathrm {arc}}$ values, typically below 4 mT/kA. The temporal evolutions of the spot spatial distribution and the associated distribution of the current density were analyzed by processing high-speed video images of the cathode. Various types of distribution depending mainly on current were identified. At low currents (up to 13 kA), the CS distribution covered only a fraction of the cathode surface. At intermediate currents (in 17.2–31.1-kA range), CSs were present on the whole circumference of the cathode and the CS distribution included a closed region without spot. The latter was progressively filled by CSs, yet it totally disappeared before the end of arcing only when its location was off-centered with respect to the cathode axis. At high currents (up to 36.3 kA), the whole cathode surface was occupied by CSs at current peak. The azimuthally averaged radial distribution of the current density was found to be relatively uniform in the regions occupied by CSs. An average spot current of 36.5 ± 2.5 A has been estimated.

A kinetic model and the associated PIC-MCC numerical technique have been used to simulate the plasma generated by a vacuum arc cathode spot fragment and calculate the current densities and net energy fluxes at the cathode surface. The model is based on a comprehensive description of the plasma generation processes, including a detailed representation of metal vapor particle ionization and plasma-cathode interaction. An important feature of this model is its ability to provide details of the spatial variations of plasma parameters within the near cathode region. Calculations are carried out for nickel, titanium and zirconium cathodes as a function of the surface temperature. It is found that below a threshold surface temperature the energy input to the cathode is negative and the spot fragment can not operate in a self-sustained way. The relative importance of the different mechanisms controlling current and energy transfers at the cathode surface are analyzed in detail.