On the numerical simulation of the diffuse arc in a vacuum interrupter

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 2011 · Journal of Applied Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3587180· OSTI ID:21538399

Langlois, Y ^[1]; Chapelle, P; Jardy, A ^[1]; Gentils, F ^[2]

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1. Institut Jean Lamour-UMR 7198 CNRS, Ecole des Mines de Nancy, Parc de Saurupt, CS 14234, F-54042 Nancy Cedex (France)
2. Schneider Electric Industries SAS, Usine 38V, ZAC Champ Saint Ange, F-38050 Grenoble Cedex 9 (France)

A 2D two-fluid numerical model is developed for the description of the diffuse arc in a vacuum interrupter under the possible influence of an axial magnetic field (AMF). This model incorporates the energy balance equations for both ions and electrons and takes into account the three components of the self-generated magnetic field. The possibility of both supersonic (at low current density) and subsonic (at high current density) plasma flow regimes is considered. Data from the literature are used to specify the values of the plasma parameters near the cathode, and the boundary conditions on the anode boundary rely on a simplified model of the anode sheath. Simulation results are presented for both ion flow regimes, with special attention to the current and plasma flow features. It is shown that there is always a contraction of the current flow, whereas the dynamics of the ions throughout the interelectrode gap is strongly influenced by their flow regime near the cathode. Finally, the influence of various operating parameters (presence of an AMF, gap length) on the current constriction at the anode is discussed.

• OSTI ID: 21538399
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 109, Issue 11; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.3587180; (c) 2011 American Institute of Physics; ISSN 0021-8979
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AIR
ANODES
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
CATHODES
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
CURRENT DENSITY
ELECTRONS
ENERGY BALANCE
EQUATIONS
IONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
PLASMA
PLASMA SHEATH
PLASMA SIMULATION
SUBSONIC FLOW
SUPERSONIC FLOW
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
CHARGED PARTICLES
ELECTRODES
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FERMIONS
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
FLUIDS
GASES
HYDRODYNAMICS
LEPTONS
MECHANICS
SIMULATION