Heat transfer and flow in a radio frequency plasma torch—a new modelling approach

Abstract

A completely two-dimensional (2D) modelling approach including a 2D self-consistent electromagnetic (EM) field formulation is described in this paper to predict the plasma flow and heat transfer in radio frequency (r.f.) plasma torches in which flow and heat transfer are coupled strongly with the EM fields. Computed streamline and temperature contours are presented for different torch power levels and compared with those obtained by the previous approach. Some additional computational results are also given under more complicated heat transfer conditions at the torch wall and concerning the radiative heat flux along the torch wall.