Formation of electric discharges above the free surface of a current-carrying liquid

Abstract

The study is devoted to analysis of the formation of high-current electric discharges developing above the free surface of a liquid metal, deformed as a result of the interaction of the electric current passing through the liquid metal with the intrinsic magnetic field. We report on the electric characteristics of discharges and parameters of their initiation, consider the patterns of deformation of the free surface and the formation of electric discharges, describe the processes occurring in the system, and discuss the mechanism of cyclic formation of discharges above the liquid metal surface.