Bidirectional vortex stabilization of a supersonic inductively coupled plasma torch

Abstract

Radio-frequency (RF) inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torches using a supersonic nozzle have many industrial materials processing applications and have also been proposed as novel electrothermal plasma thrusters for space propulsion. The gas injection method in plasma torches plays an important role in both gas heating dynamics and overall discharge stabilization. Here, we investigate reverse vortex gas injection into a supersonic ICP torch for RF powers up to 1 kW, argon mass flow rates between 15 and 180 mg s−1, and plasma torch pressures from ∼270 Pa to ∼50 kPa. In this configuration, gas is injected tangentially just upstream of the nozzle inlet. This produces a bidirectional vortex flow field where gas first spirals upwards along the outer edge of the plasma torch walls, before then reversing direction at the torch end and spiralling back down through the central plasma region towards the nozzle exit. Results are compared to a more conventional forward vortex configuration where gas is instead injected tangentially from the upstream end of the torch, and which forms a unidirectional vortex that spirals towards the downstream nozzle. While performance is similar for gas flows below 80 mg s−1, we show that at higher mass flow rates both the effective torch stagnation temperature and thermal efficiency can be increased by almost 50% with reverse vortex injection. Considering that the measured RF antenna-plasma power transfer efficiency is similar for both configurations, this enhancement occurs because of the unique bidirectional vortex flow field which leads to reduced gas-wall heat losses and consequently an increased enthalpy flow leaving the torch.