Numerical simulation of vacuum arc movement between transverse magnetic field contacts

Abstract

The contact system of the vacuum switch is a crucial factor affecting the breaking performance of the vacuum switch. The study of the arc characteristics has significant impacts in improving the breaking ability of the vacuum switch. It is difficult to fully grasp the characteristics of the vacuum arc by experimental methods. The vacuum arc simulation model can obtain the internal parameters spatial distribution and motion characteristics more effectively. A high-current vacuum arc magnetohydrodynamic model was established, which considered the influence of ion and electron viscosity and the combined effect of the transverse magnetic field (TMF) and the axial magnetic field (AMF). The simulation obtained the plasma parameters of the arc column region as well as the temperature distribution characteristics of the cathode and anode surfaces. In addition, the changes in plasma parameters during arc movement under the action of different TMF and AMF components between TMF contacts were discussed. The simulation results are relatively consistent with the experimental results and the existing research results, which provide theoretical support for the research on the mechanism of vacuum arc motion characteristics.