Numerical analysis on plasma spraying in a DC-RF hybrid plasma reactor

A numerical analysis is conducted on the heat transfer and fluid flow of a plasma spraying process under the DC-RF hybrid electromagnetic field. Plasma flow is analyzed using Eulerian approach and the equation of particle motion is simultaneousIy solved using a trajectory analysis with a lumped-heat-capacity model. Axisymmetric two-dimensional electromagnetic fields governed by Maxwell's equations are solved based on a vector potential concept. The effects of the RF electromagnetic field on the temperature and velocity fields of the turbulent plasma flow are clarified. Control characteristics of phase changes and dispersed features of particles by applying the RF electromagnetic field are also clarified in an attempt to improve the plasma spraying process.