Modeling of Free-burning Arc and Effects of Boundary Conditions on the Anode Temperature Field

A two dimensional numerical model of the free-burning arc and its interaction with anode are given. The commercial CFD code FLUENT is used to model the plasma and the solid anode part. The anode sheath is considered, as well as the heat transfer mechanism of the anode surface. The second boundary condition of heat conduction is introduced to give a more reasonable cooling boundary, so that the temperature distribution in the anode plate is more realistic. Through iteration calculation of steady MHD equations, the temperature field, pressure field and velocity field profiles are given. The result is of significant use to analysis thermal and control the electric power in the arc industrial applications.