Free-burning arc discharge simulation: The self-induced magnetic field analysis and its effect on arc plasma characteristics

Free-burning arc discharges play important roles in physical processes such as cutting, welding, arc furnaces, and switchgear. Therefore, in this paper, a combination of node-based and edge-based finite-element methods with the finite-volume scheme is developed to investigate the dynamics of these arc discharges. Considering the significant effect of self-induced magnetic fields on the dynamics of the thermal plasma arcs, accurate analysis of these magnetic fields is essential, especially for 3D geometries describing realistic conditions. Accordingly, the edge-based finite-element module is utilized to study the Ampere law in its vector form for estimating the vector potential and the corresponding magnetic field. Furthermore, the current conservation equation is solved using the node-based finite-element technique. The fluid dynamics are also investigated with the well-known finite-volume method. This hybrid model gives more accurate magnetic fields and Lorentz forces. Electromagnetic forces create high-speed streams of thermal plasma and increase the pressure in the near regions of the electrodes. As a result, the pressure and velocity profiles are closer to the predicted results. In addition, the fluid flow changes the temperature distribution in a way that agrees with experimental measurements.