Who: Dennis Grosjean

Topic: Arc Fault Technology

Biography: Dennis Grosjean has been involved in the technology of gas-discharge systems since 1970. Early work
was on the development of high-rep-rate gas-discharge lasers including development of high-power electrical
switching systems as well as studies of seed compounds for gas-discharge enhancements. Later work involved health
monitoring of motor-driven systems. He has been active over the last eight years in technology related to arc and
partial-discharge phenomena with emphasis on aerospace environments. He holds AA, BS (physics), and MBA
degrees and was awarded a patent for arc fault detection in 2018

Abstract: Historically, electrical arcing has proved beneficial to society with such systems as high-intensity arc
lighting and even early radio-frequency generation. In many instances, however, arcing activity has been
detrimental, leading to errant power escape resulting in fires, loss of property, and loss of life. Unwanted arcing is
especially dangerous in aerospace environments where there are few avenues for escape after loss of control or
initiation of a fire. As the aerospace industry continues to advance, the number of electrically powered systems is
greatly increasing resulting in a large amount of electrical wiring and interconnects as well as available electrical
energy. Although the design process includes procedures intended to avoid electrical discharge, aging and
unanticipated failures can result in unwanted arcing.
The presentation discusses causes, effects, and remediation techniques of electrical arcing with emphasis from the
perspective of the aerospace and automotive industries. This includes electrical discharges in air at pressures and
temperatures corresponding to the range of altitude from sea level to 60,000 Ft. Arcing is demonstrated with high-
speed videos of realistic scenarios. Strengths and weaknesses of detection techniques are discussed

When: Thursday, Nov 3 5:30 pm Light Buffet and Refreshments (complimentary), 6:00 pm Presentation Begins


Where: University of Dayton Research Institute, Curran Place – Meyer room (DJC PLACE N1650 MEYER ROOM )
Meyer room is close to north side of the parking lot upon entering Curran Place. Please enter through the north
side of bldg and the Meyer room is on the left side of the hallway
1700 South Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409 (originally NCR-HQ building, River Campus)