A Coupled Simulation Model of the Anode Erosion Process under Vacuum High-Frequency Inrush Current

The process of anode erosion exerts a profound effect on the cessation of high-current vacuum arcs. The objective of this paper is to conceptually explore the process of anode surface erosion caused by the combined influence of high-frequency inrush current energy flow density and arc pressure. Using a pure copper anode with a radius of 20mm, a model was established to study the erosion of the anode area due to the impact of high-frequency inrush currents in a vacuum interrupter, using the equivalent arc energy of a typical high-frequency inrush current with a peak of 20 kA and a frequency of 4250 Hz within 2 ms as conditional input. Using the moment when the current crosses zero as the reference point. The results indicate that significant erosion occurs on the anode surface due to the combined effects of inrush energy flow density and the arc pressure generated by the high-frequency inrush current. After 0.3 ms of arc discharge, the temperature reaches the fusion temperature of the anode and forms a molten pool, and the liquid metal begins to flow. Consequently, the maximum temperature of the anode surface did not stay centered on the anode surface.