Modeling and simulation of mixing and interaction of multi-cathode spot vacuum arc jets

Abstract

Vacuum arc consists of cathode spot and mixing zone, arc column and anode zone. The separate jets and the mixing zone should be considered in the model of vacuum arc, especially the diffuse arc. In this paper, mixing and interaction of multi-cathode spot vacuum arc jets were studied through simulation. To investigate the mixing and interaction of vacuum arc jets a steady 3D Magneto-Hydro-Dynamic (MHD) modeling was required. In order to find out the influence of different parameters on mixing and interaction of vacuum arc jets, models with different parameters such as currents, angel of vacuum arc jets, with or without electromagnetic equations and tilted jets were simulated. Six cylindrical jets were modeled to study the process of mixing and interaction of multi-cathode spot vacuum arc jets. Based on the simulation results, the ion number density, temperature distribution, flow velocity and ion pressure were given and analyzed.