An effect of magnetic field on arc plasma flow

Author

Kotalík, Pavel ; Nishiyama, Hideya

Author_Institution

Inst. of Plasma Phys., Acad. of Sci. of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic

Volume

30

Issue

1

fYear

2002

fDate

2/1/2002 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

160

Lastpage

161

Abstract

MM equations for electric arcs predict recirculation zones in front of electrodes of plasma torches that are consumed faster as a result. The same equations suggest that a weak applied uniform dc magnetic field parallel to the presumably axisymmetric plasma flow can remove the reverse flows, and thus protect the electrodes. As an example, results from a model for a water-stabilized plasma torch and its near-cathode region are presented. At an arc current of 400 A, an applied magnetic field of -0.06 T completely removes the recirculation zone

Keywords

arcs (electric); magnetic field effects; plasma flow; plasma magnetohydrodynamics; plasma torches; 0.06 T; 400 A; MHD equations; arc current; arc plasma flow; axisymmetric plasma flow; electric arcs; electrodes; magnetic field; near-cathode region; plasma torches; recirculation zone; recirculation zones; reverse flows; uniform DC magnetic field; Atmospheric-pressure plasmas; Cathodes; Current density; Electrodes; Equations; Magnetic fields; Magnetohydrodynamics; Plasma density; Plasma temperature; Protection;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0093-3813

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TPS.2002.1003973

Filename

1003973