Research on Motion Characteristics of Arc at Low Air Pressure

Arcing is a specific phenomenon of the electrical contact system. The fault of the electrical contact system caused by the arc is the main issue that limits the lifespan of the system. In the work, an experimental platform for testing and analyzing the arcing at a low-pressure environment is built. The effect law of a low air pressure environment on arc movement behaviors is investigated. The results of the study show that air pressure has a big impact on the motion behaviors of the arc. The arc column has a significant fluctuation with the air pressure higher than 2 kPa. The fluctuation of the arc column occurs in the upper arc column, and the lower arc column is stable. The arc is more stable when the air pressure is less than 2 kPa. To investigate in-depth the effect of different air pressure on the arc temperature distribution, an arc magneto-hydrodynamic model at low-pressure atmosphere is built. The change law of arc temperature at different gas pressure and current is studied. The action mechanism of gas pressure on the stability of the arc column is revealed. The study results are enriching the research system of arc motion behaviors in the electrical contact field, providing a theoretical basis for suppressing arc corrosion and upgrading the lifetime of the electrical contact system in service.