[TCML] Arc Temperature

[nnanred1 at netzero.net]

hi,
the arc channel (where the heat is coming from) is very small in cross-section but it is very hot. it also wanders around on the face of the electrode to cool where it impacts.
but its temperature is not cool, like a orange or a bright yellow.  the channel is white meaning a temp of at least 3000 degrees centigrade.  
the cooler colors you see are called the sheath.  it is composed of collateral collisions.  but if u are looking for the hottest point it is the arc channel which might be 0.001" in diameter. 
if u put the arc in a supersonic air blast you can see the channel.
by now,