An analytical model of the heat transfer process in arc fusion splicing of an optic fiber is presented along with experimental results to provide data for comparisons with the model predictions. The model considers heat transfer to the fiber from the arc and the thermal, viscous and elastic deformation of the fiber during fusion. Radiation, conduction and convection heat transfer during arc heating are considered. The arc heating source is modeled based on reported experimental results of a generic type of arc discharge presently used in optic fiber splicing. All physical properties of the fused silica glass fibers are considered as functions of temperature based on available experimental data.
Experimental measurements of the deformation of optical fibers under heating conditions have been made. Comparisons of the predicted deformation of the optical fiber with those measured are, in general, good. The computational results show the magnitude of the convective heat transfer coefficient has a very profound effect on deformation of the fiber indicating the primary heating mechanism is the convective heat transfer.