Erosion of an Electrode during a High-Voltage Electric Discharge in a Liquid

Abstract—The paper presents the results of experimental studies of the mass value of electrode (anode) erosion during a high-voltage electric discharge in a liquid. The obtained results made it possible to determine the influence of technological parameters and operating conditions of high-voltage electric discharge installations on the mass erosion of an anode. It is noted that a decrease in the value of the mass erosion of the anode is observed with an increase in the specific electrical conductivity of the working fluid and in the length of the interelectrode gap. The comparison of mass erosion of anodes made of copper, steel, and aluminum showed that, among them, the steel anode has the highest erosion resistance during an electric discharge in water. Based on the results of the performed experimental studies, an empirical technique was developed that allows one to estimate the mass erosion of the anode in a single electric discharge in water.