Parametric Study of Plasma Torch Operation Using a MHD Model Coupling the Arc and Electrodes

Abstract

Coupling of the electromagnetic and heat transfer phenomena in a non-transferred arc plasma torch is generally based on a current density profile and a temperature imposed on the cathode surface. However, it is not possible to observe the current density profile experimentally and so the computations are grounded on an estimation of current distribution at cathode tip. To eliminate this boundary condition and be able to predict the arc dynamics in the plasma torch, the cathode was included in the computational domain, the arc current was imposed on the rear surface of the cathode, and the electromagnetism and energy conservation equations for the fluid and the electrode were coupled and solved. The solution of this system of equations was implemented in a CFD computer code to model various plasma torch operating conditions. The model predictions for various arc currents were consistent and indicated that such a model could be applied with confidence to plasma torches of different geometries, such as cascaded-anode plasma torches.