Analysis of the Formation Mechanism of Short Circuit Marks

Abstract

In this study , short -circuit processes were analyzed via simulations and experiments by applying a principle that can interpret the short-circuit marks, which are the most basic inspection criteria in fire-scene investigation. According to Fleming's left-hand rule, a Lorentz force is generated when current and magnetic fields are applied. Railgun, one of the typical applications, utilizes the same basic principle for generating trajectories. Using the same concept, it was interpreted that the molten copper balls generated during a short-circuit process scatter in the load direction similar to a ballistic launch. The simulation and experimental results also confirmed that the copper balls were scattered in the load direction owing to the Lorentz force. Although it is impossible to examine the source and load during a fire-scene investigation process, the study findings will aid in predicting the load by observing the portion where the copper bulbs are relatively frequent. Thus, based on an estimation of the cause of fire, it will be possible to infer reliable results through fire-scene investigation.