Advanced Arc Model for Computation of Low Current Arc Characteristics

Circuit interruption with electromechanical relays is inevitably associated with voltage spikes due to fast current changes (di/dt) even at lowest circuit inductances. These voltage spikes may threaten the service life of electronic components in the same circuit (e.g. semiconductors). Today´s simulation tools of electronic circuits lack realistic arc models representing electromechanical switching. The authors provide an arc model for currents up to 30 amps with a length in the order of it´s radius to be implemented into such electronics simulation tools. The arc model is based on the governing differential equations of arc plasma and material properties only. The advantage of this model is the relatively low computational effort (compared to finite element methods) and a wide applicability without the need of intensive experimental model fitting. The solely analytical simulation model is primarily intended for electronic circuit optimization, but may also be employed to optimize/design the contact motion of miniature relays.