Title :
The reattachment process in nonequilibrium arc simulations
Author :
Trelles, J.P. ; Heberlein, J.V.R. ; Pfender, E.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Mech. Eng., Minnesota Univ., Minneapolis, MN
Abstract :
The reattachment process is an essential part of the dynamics of thermal plasma flows. Simulations of the flow inside a direct-current arc plasma torch performed with a two-temperature model produce a reattachment process triggered by local flow instabilities and driven by local high electric fields and electron temperatures. These results indicate that an arc reattachment can occur not only due to a breakdown of the gas surrounding the plasma but also due to the macroscopic characteristics of the flow, and these emphasize the importance of nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium-based models to properly describe arc dynamics.
Keywords :
arcs (electric); plasma flow; plasma instability; plasma simulation; plasma temperature; plasma thermodynamics; plasma torches; direct-current arc plasma torch; electron temperatures; local flow instabilities; local high electric fields; nonequilibrium arc simulations; nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium-based models; reattachment process; thermal plasma flows; two-temperature model; Anodes; Electric breakdown; Electrons; Finite element methods; Plasma properties; Plasma simulation; Plasma temperature; Thermal spraying; Thermodynamics; Arc reattachment; finite element method; non-equilibrium; plasma torch; thermal plasma;
Journal_Title :
Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TPS.2008.922420
