Title :
The influence of unipolar axial magnetic field on the behavior of vacuum arcs
Author :
Fenski, Burkhard ; Heimbach, Markus ; Shang, Wenkai
Author_Institution :
ABB Calor Emag Mittelspannung GmbH, Ratingen, Germany
fDate :
4/1/2003 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The behavior of vacuum arcs under the influence of unipolar axial magnetic field (AMF) has been investigated. In experimental investigations, the vacuum arc mode is studied at different arc currents by using high-speed charge-coupled device (CCD) video images. In spite of the AMF, first sign of arc constriction appears at relatively small currents of about 15 kA (RMS). Three different arc modes were found. Based on generalized Ohm´s law, the current density distribution in the vacuum arc with unipolar axial magnetic field is computed using three-dimensional finite-element method (FEM) software. The calculated current distribution is confirmed by the vacuum arc appearance taken from CCD video film. The distribution of AMF can be optimized by such experiments and theoretical analysis.
Keywords :
finite element analysis; magnetic field effects; magnetic flux; plasma diagnostics; plasma simulation; plasma transport processes; vacuum arcs; 15 kA; CCD video images; arc constriction; arc currents; axial magnetic field distribution optimisation; current density distribution; current distribution; finite-element simulations; generalized Ohm law; high-speed charge-coupled device; three-dimensional finite-element method; three-dimensional finite-element method software; unipolar axial magnetic field; vacuum arc mode; vacuum interrupter; Charge coupled devices; Computational modeling; Current density; Current distribution; Distributed computing; Finite element methods; Interrupters; Magnetic fields; Thermal loading; Vacuum arcs;
Journal_Title :
Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TPS.2003.810727
