The numerical modeling of non-transferred DC plasma torch at atmospheric conditions

Summary form only given. A theoretical analysis of a DC plasma torch has been performed to find the temperature and velocity fields in the plasma plume near the nozzle exit where the processing materials are acting for thermal plasma processes such as plasma spraying and plasma synthesis. Plasma flow is produced by arc-gas interactions inside the nozzle, and the operating conditions of the torch affect the plasma flow fields. The numerical analysis system results in a 2-D axisymmetric model where the flow turbulence is described by the usual k-/spl epsi/ model. Numerical simulation is performed by a control volume approach with nonuniform grids. In this modeling, the effects of operating parameters on the temperature and velocity fields are in the whole plasma flow region are considered, and the optimal operating parameters in the range of stable operation are estimated.