Mass-dimensional Characteristics Research Articles

Numerical Investigation of Heat Transfer Intensification Using Lattice Structures in Heat Exchangers

Heat exchangers make it possible to utilize energy efficiently, reducing the cost of energy production or consumption. For example, they can be used to improve the efficiency of gas turbines. Improving the efficiency of a heat exchanger directly affects the efficiency of the device for which it is used. One of the most effective ways to intensify heat exchange in a heat exchanger without a significant increase in mass-dimensional characteristics and changes in the input parameters of the flows is the introduction of turbulators into the heat exchangers. This article investigates the increase in efficiency of heat exchanger apparatuses by introducing turbulent lattice structures manufactured with the use of additive technologies into their design. The study is carried out by numerical modeling of the heat transfer process for two sections of the heat exchanger: with and without the lattice structure inside. It was found that lattice structures intensify the heat exchange by creating vortex flow structures, as well as by increasing the heat exchange area. Thus, the ratio of convection in thermal conductivity increases to 3.03 times. Also in the article, a comparative analysis of the results obtained with the results of heat transfer intensification using classical flow turbulators is carried out. According to the results of the analysis, it was determined that the investigated turbulators are more effective than classical ones, however, the pressure losses in the investigated turbulators are much higher.

НАУКОВА КОНЦЕПЦІЯ CТВОРЕННЯ ВИСОКОВОЛЬТНИХ МОБІЛЬНИХ ЕЛЕКТРОТЕХНІЧНИХ СИСТЕМ РЕЗОНАНСНОГО ТИПУ ЗІ ШВИДКОДІЮЧИМИ КЕРУВАННЯМ І ПАРАМЕТРИЧНОЮ СТАБІЛІЗАЦІЄЮ РЕЖИМІВ НАВАНТАЖЕННЯ

A new scientific concept has been developed for the creation of high-voltage electro-technical systems (ETS) of a reso-nant type based on the implementation in them of series high-quality inductive-capacitive circuits (ICC) and high-frequency (HF) resonant currents. This makes it possible to repeatedly increase the alternating voltage on the reactive elements of the ICC and on the load connected in parallel to one of the elements, and to ensure a significant decrease in the impulse energy of the ETS without changing their average power, as well as to increase the speed of control and parametric stabilization of the load modes of the ETS even with a rapid decrease in the electrical resistance of this load to almost zero, as in the case of electrical breakdown of its insulation. The generation of resonant currents with a fre-quency of up to 40 kHz in the ICC, which has a coil with an inductance of ~ 25 mH and a Q factor up to 270 (made of multi-core twisted copper wires of the " litzendraht " type) and a ceramic capacitor with a capacity of ~ 3.5 nF and a Q factor > 1000, ensures the realization of the QICC up to 260 and the corresponding increase in the ratio of the ETS out-put voltage to the input voltage without the use of step-up transformers. When connecting such an ETS to a source of alternating voltage of 220 V, a voltage of up to 40 kV can be generated at the output of the ETS. A significant increase in the frequency of currents leads to a significant decrease in the mass-dimensional characteristics of ETS and the pos-sibility of creating their samples mobile (weighing up to 5 kg), and if necessary, autonomous, in particular with power supply from batteries. The new scientific concept is aimed at creating a resonance-type ETS for safe and reliable moni-toring and diagnostics of the technical condition of high-voltage insulation of power cables, powerful electric machines and other energy objects of the critical infrastructure of Ukraine. Such ETS can also be effectively used for charging to high voltages capacitive energy storage (CES) in technological installations for the production of electro-spark micro- and nano-powders with unique properties, as well as for high-voltage electro-hydro-pulse processing of various mate-rials and environments. It has been established that the power of these ETS increases with a decrease in the ratio of the capacitances of the capacitors ICC and CES. References 40, figures 4.

ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ ЗАЩИТЫ ДЛЯ КОСМИЧЕСКИХ АППАРАТОВ ОТ НЕЙТРОНОВ

Together with the Lebedev Physical Institute, the research laboratory of JSC Avangard has developed a new shielding material against neutrons with different percentages of 10B called “wikineutron”. An experimental comparison of the new shielding material with synthesized ceramic materials based on boron carbide and tungsten boride was carried out. The “wikineutron” material has mass-dimensional characteristics that exceed existing analogues of shielding materials against neutrons, and can be recommended for the spacecraft shielding.

Расчет параметров мобильного механизированного комплекса, выполняющего монтаж воздушной линии, находящейся под влиянием контактной сети переменного тока

Purpose: To calculate the parameters of a mobile mechanized complex (MMC) that performs the installation of an overhead line of longitudinal power supply under the influence of an AC contact network. The asymmetry of electrical parameters in overhead lines (OL) caused by the electromagnetic influence of the contact network leads to a decrease in the quality of electricity for consumers. This contributes to a decrease in the stability of the OL. The worst option may be the ignition of a dwelling, which is powered by the specified OL. A new type of transposition solves the problem of asymmetry, which consists in twisting the wires by 60 ° each span of the supports. With this method of installation, the distance between the wires will be constantly uniform. The problem of asymmetry of electrical parameters is solved, since the mutual movement of phase wires will contribute to the same effect of the electromagnetic field on all three wires. Accordingly, the levels of induced voltages of both components — electric and magnetic — will be leveled. Methods: The analysis of existing methods of installation of OL, profile pipes for the torsion machine, the calculation of the profile for MMC, mass-dimensional characteristics, types of wires and drums for which MMC is designed was carried out. Results: In the article, the parameters of the torsion machine, which consists of movable and fixed parts, were calculated. The brands of wires for OL, drums for installation were selected and their parameters were calculated. The dependence of the loads on the frame of the torsion machine on the length of the profile pipe at the time of maximum loading was constructed. The dimensions of the profile pipe for the frame of the torsion machine and the steel grade were selected, and the simulation of the most loaded support beam of the wire drum attachment was carried out to predict loads and deflection. Practical significance: The necessity of using MMC for OL installation is shown, since only it is able to perform installation with increased symmetry of linear parameters. MMC is a twisting machine with wire drums, a manipulator for mounting wires, a device for fixing and tensioning wires, a control system and a base on which the MMC is mounted. The advantages of using automation in MMC are substantiated.

Determination of the Characteristics of Non-Stationary Random Processes by Non-Parametric Methods of Decision Theory

This article is devoted to methods of processing random processes. This task becomes particularly relevant in cases where the random process is broadband and non-stationary; then, the measurement of a random process can be associated with an assessment of its probabilistic characteristics. Very often, a non-stationary broadband random process is represented by a single implementation with a priori uncertainty about the type of distribution function. Such random processes occur in information and measuring communication systems in which information is transmitted at a real-time pace (for example, radio telemetry systems in spacecraft). The use of methods of traditional mathematical statistics, for example, maximum likelihood methods, to determine probability characteristics in this case is not possible. In addition, the on-board computing systems of spacecraft operate under conditions of restrictions on mass-dimensional characteristics and energy consumption. Therefore, there is a need to apply accelerated methods of processing measured random processes. This article discusses a method of processing non-stationary broadband random processes based on the use of non-parametric methods of decision theory. An algorithm for dividing the observation interval into stationary intervals using non-parametric Kendall’s statistics is considered, as are methods for estimating probabilistic characteristics on the stationary interval using ordinal statistics. This article presents the results of statistical modeling using the Mathcad program.

Математическая модель стабилизированной платформы с электрогидроприводом на корабле

Stabilized platforms are used on all types of moving vehicles, from satellites to submarines, and are even used on some portable and terrestrial devices. For example, a stabilized platform on a ship is used to accommodate navigation equipment and antennas of radar communication systems, which improves the efficiency of this equipment under the influence of wave disturbances. There are various kinematic schemes for building ship stabilized platforms. In particular, serial stabilized platforms and parallel stabilized platforms are used. In practical applications, serial stabilized platforms have found wider use. In this paper, we consider a mathematical model of a ship-based stabilized platform with two degrees of freedom, where the angular orientation of the platform is controlled using electric hydraulic drives. The use of electro-hydraulic drives makes it possible to ensure the formation of the required magnitude of the force effect to compensate for disturbances from wave oscillations of the ship's deck. In order to obtain relations for describing the relationship between the angular displacements of the elements of the kinematic scheme of the platform and the displacement of the hydraulic cylinder rod, the apparatus of complex numbers is involved in this work. A mathematical model of an electrohydraulic drive is considered taking into account the dynamics of movement of the electromechanism of a spool servo valve, the flow rates and pressures of the working fluid in the cavities of the hydraulic cylinder. A linearized mathematical model of an electrohydraulic drive is considered, and estimates are obtained for the parameters of the obtained mathematical model for given mass-dimensional characteristics of an electrohydraulic drive. This mathematical model can be used in the synthesis of an electric hydraulic drive control system to provide a given angular orientation of the platform under the action of wave disturbances.

Experimental studies of using the digital control system in power conversion equipment of high-voltage power supply systems in spacecrafts with a hydrogen energy accumulator

Solar-hydrogen energy for spacecraft, space interplanetary stations, space bases on the planets of the solar system must reliably provide energy: spacecraft during peak periods (repairs at a space facility, energy-consuming experiments, cleaning of facilities, regeneration of waste to extract oxygen and hydrogen, etc. .d.) and bases on planets, especially where the night lasts for a long time.The onboard hydrogen module of the solar-hydrogen plant includes: a container with water; distiller; deionizer; water lines with adjustable shut-off valves; electrolyzer; cryogenic side tanks with hydrogen and oxygen; fuel cell, hydrogen safety sensor systems based on leakage and concentration sensors; level gauges; cryogenic and gas pipelines of hydrogen and oxygen; onboard cryo-refrigerator; automatic control system for the hydrogen module. The article presents the results of experimental studies of static, dynamic and mass-dimensional characteristics of power conversion equipment (hereinafter - PCE) in the power supply system (hereinafter - PSS) of the spacecraft (hereinafter - spacecraft) with a digital control system. The purpose of experimental research is to verify the theoretical results obtained earlier in the design of digital PCE control systems of high-voltage PSS spacecraft, including the study of static and dynamic characteristics. We developed and manufactured an experimental PCE sample with an output power of 2500W in this research. It includes: four voltage stabilization modules and the 100V load supply output bus filter. Each voltage stabilization module includes a battery energy conversion channel, a solar battery energy conversion channel and a digital control system unit. The power conversion channel of the accumulator battery is designed and made on the basis of a bridge volt-booster inverter-transformer circuit. Voltage control in energy converter of accumulator battery is based on phase shift in control pulses of transistors in adjustable inverter rack related to unregulated one. The power conversion channel of the solar battery is designed and made on the basis of a two-phase circuit of a direct voltage converter of an increasing type with switching throttles. The digital control system of the voltage stabilization module is designed on the basis of analogues in the modern electronic component base in the Space class and consists of four identical channels. Each channel of the control system controls its own voltage stabilization module. We obtained the following results during our experimental studies: some pulsations of the output voltage of the energy conversion equipment during operation on an active load, transient processes of the output voltage of the energy conversion equipment during pulsations of the load current without changing the mode of operation, transient processes of the output voltage of the energy conversion equipment when changing the modes of its operation and weight and size characteristics for different values of the output power. The obtained results of experimental studies confirm the previously obtained theoretical results, and also showed that the use of a distributed digital control system will increase the specific energy characteristics of the newly developed PSS spacecraft while ensuring the given static and dynamic characteristics of output voltage quality. The results of the work are designed to create a new on-board power conversion equipment for power supply systems of promising spacecraft. The area of application of the project results is space instrumentation.

Метод точністного тарирування при реалізації математичних моделей динамічних систем в задачах моделювання та управління

One of the main qualitative indicators of computing tools is the accura-cy of the results of solving applied problems by them, in particular, prob-lems of modeling and control of dynamic systems. However, despite the widespread use of computer technology (CT), the problem of assessing the accuracy of calculations cannot be considered solved, and its relevance is growing due to the rapid development and spread of cybernetic tools for various purposes. The severity of the problem lies in the complexity of the analysis of calculation errors, which leads to the cumbersomeness of ana-lytical justifications and the large volume of calculations required to obtain specific numerical data.To solve many technical and research problems, both universal and specialized OT tools are widely used. The characteristic difference of the latter from universal tools of OT is a deliberately narrow class of algo-rithms that are implemented, oriented (class) to solving a limited range of applied problems. At the same time, it is naturally expected to achieve a number of certain (compared to universal OT tools) advantages, which usually include one or a group of factors, such as:increased speed, a non-analytical method of solving problems (for analog specialized OT tools), reduced mass-dimensional characteristics and cost, etc. It should be noted that the problem of accuracy is relevant for both universal and specialized OT tools, being somewhat transformed, depending on the type of tool and the principle of its action, for example, the originality of primary errors.

RESEARCH OF A HIGH-EFFICIENCY CHARGE AIR COOLER

Currently, internal combustion engines have become widespread as sources of mechanical energy in many areas of human activity. It is the internal combustion engines that were and remain the most widespread in transport, where, as a rule, strict requirements are put forward for the mass-dimensional characteristics of the engines and the power plant as a whole. In order to meet these requirements, there is a constant increase in the level of forcing of the engines. For diesel engines, the most common technical measure that provides an increase in the level of engine forcing with almost unchanged weight and dimensional characteristics is an increase in supercharging pressure. However, as a result of air compression, its temperature increases, which is proportional to the degree of increase in air pressure in the compressor. An increase in air temperature causes a decrease in the mass charge of the cylinders, and therefore, a significant deterioration in the fuel combustion process. It also causes an increase in the level of maximum temperatures of the cycle, which in turn causes an increase in thermal loads and the rate of formation of nitrogen oxides in diesel cylinders. The above determines the urgency of the tasks of implementing effective charge air coolers in modern high-pressure transport diesel engines. This technical problem can be solved using air or liquid coolers. The article considers a liquid cooler, because compared to an air cooler, it can be made more compact, allows to achieve a much smaller length and volume of the intake tract, as well as to simplify the layout of the intake tract as part of the power plant as a whole, which is a priority for diesel engines. The article considers the influence of the design parameters of the supercharged air cooler on its overall characteristics and the hydraulic resistance of the supercharged air flowing through the cooler. Thus, the article provides data indicating the possibility of making a compact, highly efficient supercharged air cooler while maintaining its hydraulic resistance at an acceptable level by choosing rational parameters.

Heat transport phenomena in Voronoi foam due to pulsating flow

Metal foam is of great interest to many researchers due to its heat transfer capabilities in transport phenomena. Metal foam has reduced weight and dimensions per meter of heat exchange surface. In this regard, the use of metal foam in transport cooling systems is relevant since the mass-dimensional characteristics of the components of vehicles are essential. This article numerically investigates heat transfer and pressure drop through open cell foam under pulsating flow. The pulsations were both symmetrical and asymmetrical. The pulsation frequency was varied in the range from 0.25 to 1.25 Hz; the dimensionless pulsation amplitude was constant at 28.6. Air was used as the working fluid. The Reynolds number corresponded to 30. Numerical analysis was carried out using Ansys Fluent. The 3D open cell foam geometry construction was based on the Laguerre Voronoi tessellations technique. The obtained data on heat transfer for a steady flow were compared with the experimental data. As a result of modeling, it was found that the heat transfer of open cell foam increases with increasing frequency for both symmetric and asymmetric flow pulsations. The heat transfer enhancement is always higher with asymmetric flow pulsations. Heat transfer at asymmetric pulsations with a frequency of 1.25 Hz improved by a factor of 1.41 compared to a steady flow. Open cell foam with asymmetric flow pulsations has a better thermal performance efficiency than symmetrical pulsations.

Experiences in engineering design training at Samara University

This paper aims to share experience gained by Samara National Research University in training students in engineering degree programme “Manned and Unmanned Spacecraft and Space Systems”. Core items of engineering degree curricula are projects because they basically form practical experience of future design engineers. Main items of the course project “Calculation of main parameters and generation of land remote sensing satellites conceptual design based on regard to required efficiency indices” are discussed. These include acquisition and processing of statistical data on space systems and satellites; determination of satellite orbit parameters; determination of massdimensional characteristics of spacecraft on-board systems and construction; formation of on-board systems; spacecraft construction models and assembly model; choice of launcher and spacehead model development. The activity is supported by appropriate training materials and software.

Investigation of the Ambient Temperature Influence on the PEMFC Characteristics: Modeling from a Single Cell to a Stack

Power supply systems based on air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks are becoming more popular as power sources for mobile applications. We try to create a PEMFC model that allows for predicting the PEMFC operation in various climatic conditions. A total of two models were developed and used: the membrane electrode assemble (MEA) model and the PEMFC stack model. The developed MEA model allows to determine the influence of external factors (temperature) on the PEMFC power density. The data obtained using the developed model correlate with experimental data at low ambient temperatures (10–30 °C). The difference between the simulation and experimental data is less than 10%. However, the accuracy of the model during PEMFC operation at high (>30 °C) and negative ambient temperatures remains in doubt and requires improvement. The obtained data were integrated into the air-cooled PEMFC stack model. Data of the temperature fields distribution will help to manage the processes in the PEMFC stack. The maximum temperature is slightly above 60 °C, which corresponds to the optimal conditions for the operation of the stack. The temperature gradient across the longitudinal section is very low (<20 °C), which is a positive factor for the chemical reaction. However, the temperature gradient observed across the cross section of the PEMFC stack is 30 °C. The data obtained will help to optimize the mass-dimensional characteristics of air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell and increase their performance. The synergetic effect between the MEA model and the PEMFC stack model can be successfully used in the selection of materials and the development of a thermoregulation system in the PEMFC stack.

Solar battery frame made of pipes triangular cross-section

The vast majority of spacecraft use solar panels as their primary energy source. The widespread using of solar cells is due to the simplicity of the design, reliability, environmental safety and minimal impact on the electronics and radio elements of the spacecraft. The development of new, larger spacecraft is driven by increasing demands on their functionality. These requirements lead to the need to provide more and more payload capacity of the spacecraft, the growth of its mass. There are solar batteries with different types of substrate: flexible, semi-rigid and rigid. Many years of experience in the development and application of solar panels have led to the fact that domestic spacecraft in most designs use solar panels with a semi-rigid substrate consisting of pipes, fittings and strings. This design of the substrate has characteristics at the level of world analogues. The increase in the mass of the payload can be compensated by a decrease in the mass of the power supply system. Thus, to improve the mass-dimensional characteristics, it is possible to optimize the design of the main load-bearing elements-pipes, which implies a more efficient use of the material (reducing the margin of safety with constant rigidity of the frame). The paper presents the results of the study of the possibility of modernizing the structure of the frames of planar solar cells, increasing their mass-dimensional characteristics. The studies were carried out by computational and experimental methods, and experimental samples of pipes were manufactured and released. As a result of the work, a frame made of triangular pipes and fittings was developed, and the mass and mechanical characteristics of the frame were determined.

Modernization of the electromechanical equipment the trigger device: description of the design and testing

At present, modern spacecraft use high-precision equipment that is sensitive to influence impacts. In this regard, there is a need to create shock-free trigger devices for mechanisms for holding and releasing movable structural elements. These tasks determined the vector of development of electromechanical trigger devices that do not contain pyrotechnic devices in their design. Along with the new tasks, there are constant problems of rocket and space technology – the improvement of mass-dimensional characteristics. However, pyrotechnic elements force the use of massive housings and brackets for structures that can withstand a sharp increase in pressure and the impact of the executive parts. The use of universal pyropatrons does not always allow optimizing the design of the retention mechanism. Also, one of the disadvantages of working with pyrotechnic media is the increased risk of working. The paper presents the results of a study of the possibility of modernizing the design of trigger devices, improving their mechanical and electrical characteristics. The research was carried out using calculated and experimental methods, and experimental samples of trigger devices were manufactured and released. As a result of the work, an upgraded trigger device was developed, better electrical characteristics were achieved, power consumption was reduced (the response time was reduced), mass-dimensional characteristics were improved, and the number of structural parts was reduced.

Methodical approach to estimation of energy characteristics of antenna arrays of space communication means of decimeter wavelengths

The article describes a sequence of mathematical and logical operations for determining the energy and mass-dimensional characteristics of an active phased array antenna operating in the decimeter wavelength range of space communications necessary to ensure continuous operation for a given time. When designing large-size antenna systems, a preliminary assessment of the mass-size, energy and thermal parameters is required to assess the feasibility of the project. In this regard, the article uses a mathematical apparatus that includes a model and methods that allow determining the tactical and technical characteristics of satellite communication systems at the design or development stage. The novelty of the developed method consists in assessing the potential capabilities of spacecraft of satellite communication and retransmission systems, taking into account the energy and weight and size characteristics of their antenna systems and in determining the degree of implementation of the main modes of operation of Earth stations at the design or development stage for the specified operating modes of satellite communication systems.

Mathematical model of the mechanical properties of Ti-alloyed hypoeutectic cast iron for mixer blades

The object of research is hypoeutectic cast iron intended for cast parts operating under abrasive friction conditions. Such parts are mixer blades, the operational properties of which include durability, assessed by abrasion resistance and strength. To give the blades such properties, cast irons, which are materials of the blades, are alloyed with elements that contribute to the formation of carbides of various compositions. The main problem that impedes the targeted selection of materials for mixer blades or finished blades from different materials or different chemical composition is the lack of substantiated selection criteria. If the shipment is carried out only with the provision of data on the chemical composition of the alloy, it is necessary to be able to evaluate the expected mechanical properties, in particular abrasion resistance and strength.
 Using the methods of regression analysis, a mathematical model has been obtained that includes two regression equations, which allows for a targeted selection of the chemical composition that provides the maximum possible value of mechanical properties – ultimate strength and coefficient of wear resistance. Optimization of the chemical composition, carried out according to this model, made it possible to determine the following chemical composition: C=2.94 %, Ceq=3.3 %, Ti=1.56 %, providing the maximum ultimate strength σb=391 MPa; C=2.78 %, Ceq=3.14 %, Ti=1.61 %, providing a maximum wear resistance coefficient Kwr=12 %.
 In the case of priority of the strength criterion, the calculated optimal chemical composition makes it possible to reduce the mass-dimensional characteristics of the mixing units of the mixers.
 A procedure is proposed for using this model to select a batch of blades with the expected best performance properties

Analytical model of the inductor system of the device to prevent ice formation on power lines

The article describes the analytical model of the magnetic-pulsed electromechanical energy converter in relation to the device for preventing ice formation on power lines. The inductor system of the device is a flat inductor and a firing pin made of electrically conductive material. The mobility of both the firing pin, and also the inductor is due to the attachment of the device to the pair of power line wires. This feature, in contrast to the fixed position of the inductor traditionally used, required the development of the universal design scheme for the electrodynamic interaction of the inductor and the firing pin. The proposed analytical model takes into account the forces of resistance to the motion of the inductor system caused by the presence of the elastic return mechanisms in the device and attachment to the power line wire, which is a body with a distributed mass. The developed analytical model was tested. The calculation of the device parameters for the transmission line span with the specified mass-dimensional characteristics was performed.

Influence of the Mutual Overlapping Coefficient on the Process of a Disc Brake Squealing during Braking

This article presents the results of an experimental study of the impact of the mutual overlapping coefficient on the probability of a disc brake squealing under braking at the moment before the complete stop of a rolling stock. The studies are carried out on an original test bench, which reproduced the real conditions of the interaction of the working elements of the friction unit of a disc brake according to the criteria of mass-dimensional and load-speed characteristics, as well as the operating temperature. The charts and spectrograms of noise are given that illustrate the influence of the mutual overlapping coefficient of the disc brake on the process of squealing during braking. It is shown that the greatest probability (in the range of 90 to 95%) of the brakes squealing is observed when the values of the mutual overlapping coefficient are 0.33 and 0.66. When the mutual overlapping coefficient is 0.98 the brakes do not squeal at all. Practical recommendations are given to eliminate the squealing of disc brakes before a rolling stock comes to a complete stop by increasing the mutual overlapping coefficient to values close to 1.0.

Information Technology of Robotic Prosthesis Computer-Aided Design Based on Parametric Modeling

The features of modern technologies of three-dimensional parametric modeling were investigated in this paper. It was shown that the application of tabular parameterization makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the computer-aided design of biomedical products by accelerating the development of similar components in their composition. An information technology for the computer-aided design of a robotic prosthesis prototype in the PTC Creo environment has been developed. The functionality of the virtual and physical prototypes of the robotic prosthesis was checked with the usage of digital kinematic simulation and real tests. The developed tabular parametric model makes it possible to control the mass-dimensional characteristics of the product during the development of individual prostheses, taking into account the anatomical features of a particular patient.

Method for Protecting Plasma-Jet Hard-Facing by Gas Powder Flow

The results of investigation of the rate of gas flow and powder particles flying at plasma-jet hard-facing by a constricted arc in gas powder protective media are presented. A new method of welding bath protection by a gas powder flow is proposed, which makes it possible to reduce the argon consumption by 50 – 60%, as well as to reduce plasmatron mass-dimensional characteristics, while abandoning the use of a shield cup and protective gas as an independent flow.