Numerical prediction on arc characteristics for various polymer materials during polymer‐ablated arc ignition process

Abstract

Characteristics of ignition process of polymer-ablated arc with different current values were investigated with electromagnetic thermofluid analysis. This thermofluid simulation is based on calculated particle composition, thermodynamic and transport properties of evaporated vapor of polymer material and electrode material. Polymer ablation was assumed to occur by heat flux from the arc plasma. The initiation of polymer ablation was studied for different polymer materials because polymer ablation can affect arc behavior and then arc interruption ability. Results showed that it took time of milli-to tens milliseconds to initiate polymer ablation, and that its initiation time decreases with increasing current.