Two-dimensional numerical study of an atmospheric pressure helium plasma jet with dual-power electrode**Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 10775026, 11275042, 11305026, and 11405042).

Abstract

In this paper, the characteristics of an atmospheric pressure helium plasma jet generated by a dual-power electrode (DPE) configuration are investigated by using a two-dimensional fluid model. The effect of a needle electrode on the discharge is studied by comparing the results of the DPE configuration with those of the single ring electrode configuration. It is found that the existence of the needle leads to the generation of a helium plasma jet with a higher propagation velocity, higher species density, and larger discharge width. Furthermore, the influences of the needle radius and needle-to-ring discharge gap on the generation of a plasma jet are also studied. The simulation results indicate that the needle electrode has an evident influence on the plasma jet characteristics.