Numerical Analysis of Alternating Current Arcs

Solutions of the coupled, nonlinear, two-dimensional, non-steady equations of continuity, momentum, and energy have been obtained for an alternating current argon arc located in a constant diameter channel of a converging nozzle configuration. Real gas properties, radiation, convection, viscous dissipation, and turbulence effects were incorporated in the analysis. Spatial and timewise distributions determined included the flow, temperature and pressure fields, dynamic arc radius, and arc resistance gradient.