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Application of similarity theory to predict operational characteristics of a DC plasma torch under low-pressure condition

  • Regular Article – Plasma Physics
  • Published:
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Abstract

An extensive experimental investigation is carried out to construct a generalized model using theory of dynamic similarity for plasma spray torch behaviour in low-pressure environment. The generalized model is designed with a new set of dimensionless numbers to highlight the operational behaviour of the plasma torch at 10 mbar ambient pressure. These dimensionless numbers represent the effect of corresponding input parameters on the output behaviour of the plasma torch. A comparative analysis of these dimensionless numbers with their atmospheric counterparts highlights the effect of low pressure on the plasma torch operation. The current–voltage characteristics (CVC) and thermal efficiency of the plasma torch are experimentally measured at \(\sim \) 10 mbar chamber pressures at different arc current values, in the range of 100–500 A, for three different anode exit diameters, e.g. 8, 13 and 17 mm. Nitrogen is used as plasma-forming gas having flow rate range of 24–64 LPM. In addition to CVC profile and thermal efficiency, the plasma jet length at 10 mbar chamber pressure is also characterized using a very high-speed camera. A generalized model is also constructed to predict the plasma jet length in low pressure. The output of the model is verified by comparing with the experimental data at different input parameters and found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. This study presents a generalized relationship between input controllable parameters and output behaviour of a plasma spray torch, which is valid in the pressure range of \(\sim \) 10 to \(\sim \) 30 mbar.

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Data Availability Statement

This manuscript has no associated data or the data will not be deposited. The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article and its supplementary materials. If any more data are required during the review process, it will be made available upon request.

Abbreviations

B :

Magnetic induction (T)

d :

Anode exit diameter (m)

G :

Gas flow rate (kg s\(^{-1}\))

h :

Specific enthalpy (J kg\(^{-1}\))

I :

Arc current (A)

j :

Current density (A m\(^{-2}\))

L :

Characteristic reference length (m)

p :

Pressure (Pa)

P :

Power (W)

\(Q_r\) :

Volumetric radiation energy (W m\(^{-3}\))

T :

Temperature (K)

v :

Velocity (m s\(^{-1}\))

V :

Arc voltage (V)

\(\rho \) :

Density (kg m\(^{-3}\))

\(\mu \) :

Viscosity (Pa s)

\(\lambda \) :

Thermal conductivity (W m\(^{-1}\) K\(^{-1}\))

\(\sigma \) :

Electrical conductivity (S m\(^{-1}\))

\(\eta \) :

Thermal efficiency

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Mr. Chirayu patil for his help in various troubleshooting during the experiments and Mr. O.R Kaila for fabricating the plasma torch components used in these experiments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Plasma Research, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382 428, India

    Ram Krushna Mohanta, Devilal Kumawat, G. Ravi & Kumudni Tahiliani

  2. Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400 094, India

    Ram Krushna Mohanta & G. Ravi

Authors
  1. Ram Krushna Mohanta
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  2. Devilal Kumawat
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  3. G. Ravi
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Contributions

Mr. Ram Krushna Mohanta is the primary and corresponding author of the manuscript and carried out all the experiments and analysis in the manuscript. Mr. Devilal Kumawat has contributed to the study in the high-speed imaging experiments and analysis. Dr. G. Ravi is the PhD supervisor of the corresponding author and has contributed in reviewing and validation of the results. Ms. Kumudni Tahiliani has also equally contributed in reviewing and validation of the obtained results.

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Correspondence to Ram Krushna Mohanta.

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Mohanta, R.K., Kumawat, D., Ravi, G. et al. Application of similarity theory to predict operational characteristics of a DC plasma torch under low-pressure condition. Eur. Phys. J. D 77, 89 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/s10053-023-00677-7

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