Verification of a numerical MHD arc model for high voltage circuit breakers using experimental images

Abstract

The paper presents experimental and computational images of the arc in a simplified chamber. A circuit is arranged to inject the AC current into the electrodes. Arc current, magnetic field and plasma flow are described in the framework of magnetohydrodynamic equations in conjunction with the k-ε turbulence model. The MHD numerical model includes mass, momentum and energy conservation equations, turbulence, radiation, generalized Ohms law, Maxwells equations, radiation and heat transfer. A high speed camera is used to evaluate the computational results. The calculated results are in accordance with the obtained experimental data, which points to the applicability of the method.