Relationship between Arc Behavior and Parameters of the Arc Root Model in the Arc Gas Flow Analysis

Abstract

This paper describes effects of changing parameters of arc root model on arc behavior in arc gas flow analysis.Fuji Electric has developed arc simulation technology that couples thermal fluid analysis with electromagnetic field analysis to predict the behavior of arc generated by contact switching. The arc simulation technology has been applied to the development of our many products.At the surface where the arc is in contact with the electrode (arc root), temperature and electric potential change rapidly and complicated non-equilibrium phenomena occur, such as electron emission or absorption. To simplify these phenomena and to simulate with less computing power, we have been adopted the arc root model which is the voltage drop of arc root defined as a function of current density.It is known that electrode materials (e.g., Cu, Ag, Cu-W alloy) affect the behavior of arc root immobility, which has the strong relationship with the arc root model in our study. The effects of the arc root model parameters on arc behavior is shown with the result of arc simulations under various parameters. This study is the first step to reproduce changes of immobility behaviors by electrode materials with the arc simulation.