Comprehensive Experimental Database and Model Fitting for Electric Arc Behavior in Aircraft Environments

The More Electric Aircraft (MEA) paradigm advocates weight reduction by transitioning to electrical components, resulting in increased system voltage and higher arc fault risk. This paper presents a methodology for creating a database of nearly one thousand tests simulating parallel arc faults, using Andrea's arc model for accurate representation. Objectives include the creation of a robust experimental database and the use of a simplified model to analyze arcing behavior. The setup follows the UL 746A standard and considers various pressure and electrode separation conditions. The database includes 960 experiments with PVC and PTFE materials, and model fitting ensures accurate representation of arc currents and voltages. Error analysis shows consistent model performance across materials and highlights sensitivity to electrode spacing, pressure, and source voltage. The paper concludes with a clear 30% error threshold for model validity, enhancing the understanding of the applicability of Andrea's model under various experimental scenarios in aircraft environments.