Effect of vapour force at the blow-open process in double-break contacts

Bizjak, Martin; Kharin, Stanislav; Nouri, Hassan

Abstract

This paper presents results of a theoretical and experimental investigation of the phenomena of electrical contact repulsion and its associated blow-off characteristics at high current. The voltage and current waveforms as well as contact's displacement oscillograms are recorded for analysis. The mathematical model of the phenomena based on differential equations for the arc, forces, contact heating and evaporation and displacement of the movable contact piece is elaborated to describe repulsion dynamics. All stages of contact separation including opening start, Joule explosion of the constriction zone and arcing are considered in series. It is found that side by side with electromagnetic force, which is responsible for the initiation of contact opening, thermal force due to vapour pressure, which develops further contact separation, is also very important and should be taken into consideration. Dependence of thermal force on voltage, current, circuit parameters and properties of contact material are calculated theoretically and examined against data obtained experimentally for the asymmetric contact pair AgC-AgNi. © 2009 IEEE.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Feb 24, 2009
• Deposit Date: Feb 7, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 15, 2016
• Journal: IEEE Transactions on Components and Packaging Technologies
• Print ISSN: 1521-3331
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 180-190
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TCAPT.2009.2013986
• Keywords: AgC-AgNi double-break contacts, blow open process, vapour force
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/998288
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TCAPT.2009.2013986
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Copyright © 2009 IEEE. Reprinted from: Kharin, Stanislav and Nouri, Hassan and Bisjak, Martin (2009) Effect of vapour force at the blow-open process in double-break contacts. IEEE Transactions on Components and Packaging Technologies, 32 (1). pp. 180-190. ISSN 1521-3331 This material is posted here with permission of the IEEE. Such permission of the IEEE does not in any way imply IEEE endorsement of any of the University of the West of England (UWE's) products or services. Internal or personal use of this material is permitted. However, permission to reprint/republish this material for advertising or promotional purposes or for creating new collective works for resale or redistribution must be obtained from the IEEE by writing to [e-mail]. By choosing to view this document, you agree to all provisions of the copyright laws protecting it.
• Contract Date: Nov 15, 2016