Numerical Simulation of the Eddy Current Effects in the Arc Splitting Process

This paper focuses on a numerical simulation of the arc plasma behavior in the arc splitting process, considering the eddy currents in the electrodes and the splitter plate. Based on three-dimensional (3D) magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) theory, a thin layer of nonlinear electrical resistance elements is used in the model to represent the plasma sheath voltage drop and new arc root formation in order to include the arc splitting process in the simulation. In the arcing process, eddy currents in metal parts are generated by a time-varying magnetic field. The arc model is calculated with the time-varying magnetic field term, so that the eddy current effects can be considered. The effect of a ferromagnetic material’s nonlinear permeability is also involved in the calculation. Using the simulation results for the temperature, velocity and current density distribution, the arc splitting process is analyzed in detail. The calculated results are compared with the simulation neglecting eddy currents.