The effects of swirling flow on the behaviour of dc SF6 arcs in a duo-flow nozzle are computationally investigated in the electric current range 3–7 kA. A swirling flow is produced by the interaction of the magnetic field of a current-carrying coil and the plasma. Results show that a strong swirling flow is generated in regions where a large radial current density exists as a result of the conducting arc column rapidly changing its radial dimension. The presence of the swirling flow reduces the axis pressure, modifies the arc shape and slightly lowers the arc voltage (2–5%) in comparison with the case without considering the swirling flow. The different natures of swirling flows in a plasma jet/arc heater and in a hybrid circuit breaker are also discussed.
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