Numerical analysis of the correlation between arc plasma fluctuation and nanoparticle growth–transport under atmospheric pressure

A time-dependent two-dimensional (2D) axisymmetric simulation was conducted for arc plasma with dynamically fluctuating fluid generating iron nanoparticles in a direct-current discharge condition. The nonequilibrium process of simultaneous growth and transport of nanoparticles is simulated using a simple model with a low computational cost. To ascertain fluid dynamic instability and steep gradients in plasma temperature and particle distributions, a highly accurate method is adopted for computation. The core region of the arc plasma is almost stationary, whereas the fringe fluctuates because of fluid dynamic instability between the arc plasma and the shielding gas. In the downstream region, the vapor molecules decrease by condensation. The nanoparticles decrease by coagulation. These results suggest that both of the simultaneous processes make important contributions to particle growth. The fluctuation of nanoparticle number density in a distant region exhibits stronger correlation with the temperature fluctuation at the plasma fringe. The correlation analysis results suggest that the distribution of growing nanoparticles distant from the arc plasma can be controlled via control of temperature fluctuation at the arc plasma fringe.