Modelling of the in-flight behaviour of stainless steel powder particles in high velocity oxy-fuel spraying

Abstract

Modelling of the mechanical and thermal behaviour of stainless steel 316L powder particles during high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying is presented. This modelling accounts for the combustion process, the gas dynamics inside and outside of the spray gun, gas-particle interactions, acceleration and deceleration of the gas flow, internal heat conduction in the powder particles and particle heating, melting, cooling and solidification. Variations of the times of flight and melting of the particles are studied. Optimal conditions of spraying are predicted. The results agree with experimentally-established HVOF spraying practice.