Hybrid Computational Model of High-Current Vacuum Arcs With External Axial Magnetic Field

This paper deals with the computer modeling of a high-current (total current ≥10 kA) vacuum arc with an external axial magnetic field. This arc is typical for certain kind of vacuum interrupters. The described hybrid model treats electrons as a massless fluid and ions as macroparticles. The macropar...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE transactions on plasma science 2015-08, Vol.43 (8), p.2261-2266
Main Authors: Shmelev, Dmitry L., Uimanov, Igor V.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anodes
Cathodes
Computational modeling
Electrons
hybrid model
Ions
Magnetic fields
Monte Carlo methods
Monte Carlo simulation
Plasma physics
Plasmas
Shock waves
Vacuum arcs
vacuum interrupters
Vacuum technology
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Summary:This paper deals with the computer modeling of a high-current (total current ≥10 kA) vacuum arc with an external axial magnetic field. This arc is typical for certain kind of vacuum interrupters. The described hybrid model treats electrons as a massless fluid and ions as macroparticles. The macroparticle dynamics are calculated with the use of the particle-in-cell method. Ion-ion Coulomb collision is considered with the use of the Monte Carlo method. The model can simulate high-current vacuum arcs as a whole including separate cathode plasma jets, mixing zone, and common plasma column. The hybrid model is able to calculate V-shape volt-tesla characteristics, which correlate well with experimental results.
ISSN:0093-3813
1939-9375
DOI:10.1109/TPS.2015.2430372