Predicted Anode Arc Attachment by Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium (LTE) and Two-Temperature Arc Models in a Cascaded-Anode dc Plasma Spray Torch

Autor: Armelle Vardelle, Ron Molz, Vincent Rat, Christophe Chazelas, Rodion Zhukovskii
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: Thermal Spray 2021: Proceedings from the International Thermal Spray Conference.
ISSN: 2768-1505
2768-1491
DOI: 10.31399/asm.cp.itsc2021p0360
Popis: Anode erosion is a common concern in dc plasma spray torches. It depends largely on the heat flux brought by the arc and the dimensions, residence time, and mode of the arc attachment to a given location on the anode wall. This paper compares anode arc attachment modes predicted by LTE (local thermodynamic equilibrium) and 2-T (two-temperature) arc models that include the electrodes in the computational domain. The analysis is based on a commercial cascaded-anode plasma torch operated at high current (500 A) and low gas flow rate (60 NLPM of argon). It shows that the LTE model predicted a constricted anode arc attachment that moves on the anode ring while the 2-T model predicted a diffuse and steady arc attachment. The comparison between the predicted and measured arc voltage indicated that the 2-T prediction is closer to the actual voltage. A post-mortem observation of a new anode ring on a plasma torch operated under the same conditions confirmed the diffuse arc attachment predicted by the 2-T arc model.
Databáze: OpenAIRE