Numerical modeling of electric arc motion in external constant magnetic field

Abstract

The paper generalizes to the three-dimensional case the previously proposed two-dimensional mathematical model of the motion of a plasma formation in a constant transverse magnetic field. The complete system of single-fluid magnetogasdynamic approximation of the equations of the hydrodynamic method for plasma description under conditions of local thermodynamic equilibrium is simplified in the electromagnetic part. Instead of solving the complete system of Maxwell’s equations, Ohm’s integral law is applied to the conducting region with usage of empirical data. Earlier studies in a two-dimensional version of this model as applied to the problem of describing the motion of an arc showed its effectiveness and efficiency for the class of problems under consideration. The simulation results with proposed extended model are compared with previously obtained calculated and experimental data. Main integral and local features of flow structure are highlighted.