ARC roots FEM modelling and simulation at plane electrodes

Abstract

The aim of this work is to model and to simulate the arc root generation processes in plane electrodes using a three-dimensional solid model based on the finite elements method (FEM). For this purpose, a loop integrating an electrical model in transient state and a solid model constituted by two plane electrodes has been used. The model includes: current, voltage, circuit impedance, plasma parameters, current density and temperature. The simulation results show that local heating is non-significant at the electrode surface, hence uniform flows of current are obtained and a plasma column is generated without the appearance of intense metal-melting arc roots. These are steps into a more comprehensive fluidthermo-electrical model of the arc using 3D FEM aimed at the development of more precise design and analysis engineering tools of arc based protection elements.