The Mechanisms of the Showering Arc

When an electrical contact breaks an inductive circuit, a showering arc is a common result. This type of arc is characterized by large, rapid voltage fluctuations appearing across the separating contacts. The mechanisms of the showering arc are discussed in detail and combined into a computer program designed to simulate the showering arc and calculate the energy dissipated at the contacts. Considering the complexity and variability of showering arcs, good simulation has been achieved.