The Arc-Induced Bubble Growth in Transformer Oil: Modeling and Experiments

Internal arc faults in oil-immersed transformers can result in violent tank explosions, posing serious hazards to the safety and stability of power systems. In order to explore the physical mechanisms behind such events, an alternating current (AC) arc discharge experimental platform was constructed, and the bubble growth process induced by arc discharge was captured in detail using high-speed imaging technology. A two-dimensional axisymmetric compressible fluid dynamics model was developed using ANSYS Autodyn, which incorporated a time-varying arc energy input to simulate the generation of vapor mass and the associated energy deposition. The dynamic evolution of gas bubbles was numerically simulated and further validated through experimental observations. The proposed simulation model demonstrates strong consistency with the experimental results and provides a robust and credible foundation for investigating bubble dynamics under short-circuit fault conditions. Moreover, it offers valuable theoretical guidance for the optimization of transformer tank design and the enhancement of structural safety in oil-immersed power equipment.