A numerical study of arc-splitting processes with eddy-current effects

This paper focuses on the numerical investigation of the arc plasma behaviour with eddy currents mainly in electrodes and splitter plate generated by arc motion in arc splitting process. The elongation and splitting process are simulated through a three-dimensional (3D) magneto-hydro-dynamic (MHD) model. Without external magnetic field, the arc motion is described in detail by the temperature distribution. The arc roots generating process on the ferromagnetic splitter plate is observed through the calculation results. Besides column voltage, sheath voltage is also included in arc voltage, which is expressed by a simple nonlinear resistor model. The effect of ferromagnetic material's nonlinear permeability is involved in the calculation.