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Thermoacoustic Energy Effects in Electrical Arcs
Author(s) -
CAPELLISCHELLPFEFFER M.,
MILLER GREGORY H.,
HUMILIER MICHEL
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1999.tb07939.x
Subject(s) - arc (geometry) , electric potential energy , electrical current , work (physics) , electric arc , hazard , electrical network , acoustics , thermal , current (fluid) , computer science , energy (signal processing) , environmental science , electrical engineering , mechanical engineering , engineering , physics , electrode , meteorology , chemistry , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics
Electrical arcs commonly occur in electrical injury incidents. Historically, safe work distances from an energized surface along with personal barrier protection have been employee safety strategies used to minimize electrical arc hazard exposures. Here, the two‐dimensional computational simulation of an electrical arc explosion is reported using color graphics to depict the temperature and acoustic force propagation across the geometry of a hypothetical workroom during a time from 0 to 50 ms after the arc initiation. The theoretical results are compared to the experimental findings of staged tests involving a mannequin worker monitored for electrical current flow, temperature, and pressure, and reported data regarding neurologic injury thresholds. This report demonstrates a credible link between electrical explosions and the risk for pressure (acoustic) wave trauma. Our ultimate goal is to protect workers through the design and implementation of preventive strategies that properly account for all electrical arc‐induced hazards, including electrical, thermal, and acoustic effects.