Numerical Simulations of Arc Plasma Interaction with Polymer Wall During Decaying Process of Polymer Vapor Contaminated Arc

This paper focuses on the characteristics of polymer vapor contaminated arcs during arc decaying process through numerical simulations using a simplified one-side flow outlet model. Predicting the residual arc plasma behavior after the current zero point is crucial for the successful interruption of current in a circuit breaker. In the calculation model, polymer vapor is generated due to the contact of arc plasma with the polymer wall and is exhausted to the outer space. The numerical simulation results indicate that the rate of polymer ablation temporarily increases just after the current zero during the arc decaying process compared to that in the steady state. This occurs because the high-temperature arc plasma, constricted by electromagnetic forces under current flow, spreads near the wall without current flow. Furthermore, the influx of air from the outer space decreases the concentration of polymer vapor inside the cylinder, gradually lowering the arc temperature.