Characterization of a dc plasma torch by pressure measurements : analytical models and experiments

Vincent Rat (1) , Jean-François Coudert (1)

1 Axe 2 : procédés de traitements de surface

The aim of this contribution is to propose an analytical model to describe dc plasma torch properpties at the nozzle exit from experimental data. This simplified approach attempts to highlight the influence of experimental parameters on plasma jet velocity and pressure contributions. The plasma inside the anode-nozzle is considered as stationary and is divided into the arc column and a surrounding cold layer which electrically insulates the plasma from the nozzle wall. Heat conduction is evaluated by using Kirchoff's potential, which is described, as it is done also for the electrical conductivity, as a function of the gas specific enthalpy instead of temperature.

Mots clés: dc plasma torch; pressure measurements; plasma velocity; isentropic exponent

Domaines: Matériaux; Plasmas

Vincent Rat, Jean-François Coudert. Characterization of a dc plasma torch by pressure measurements : analytical models and experiments. 18th International Symposium on Plasma Chemistry, Aug 2007, Kyoto, Japan. 4 p. ⟨hal-00263703⟩