Computational Analysis of Flow Separation in Non-Transferred Plasma Torch: Causes, Impacts and Control Methods
In a non-transferred plasma torch, the working gas becomes ionized and forms plasma as it interacts with the electric arc at the cathode tip. However, in certain cathode shapes, particularly flat ones, and under specific conditions, the gas flow can separate at the cathode tip, forming a vortex regi...
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MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Fluids |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5521/10/2/47 |
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| author | Sai Likitha Siddanathi Lars-Göran Westerberg Hans O. Åkerstedt Per Gren Henrik Wiinikka Alexey Sepman |
| author_facet | Sai Likitha Siddanathi Lars-Göran Westerberg Hans O. Åkerstedt Per Gren Henrik Wiinikka Alexey Sepman |
| author_sort | Sai Likitha Siddanathi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In a non-transferred plasma torch, the working gas becomes ionized and forms plasma as it interacts with the electric arc at the cathode tip. However, in certain cathode shapes, particularly flat ones, and under specific conditions, the gas flow can separate at the cathode tip, forming a vortex region. While this flow separation is influenced by geometric factors, it occurs in the critical zone where plasma is generated. Understanding the causes of this separation is essential, as it may significantly impact torch performance. If the separation proves detrimental, it is important to identify ways to mitigate it. This paper presents a computational analysis of a non-transferred plasma torch to investigate the physics behind flow separation. The results highlight the location and causes of the separation, as well as its potential advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the paper explores theoretical approaches to address flow separation in plasma torches, offering practical insights for enhancing their design and efficiency. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ab2eec0f744b40b99236c78b8de28f40 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2311-5521 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Fluids |
| spelling | doaj-art-ab2eec0f744b40b99236c78b8de28f402025-08-20T03:12:02ZengMDPI AGFluids2311-55212025-02-011024710.3390/fluids10020047Computational Analysis of Flow Separation in Non-Transferred Plasma Torch: Causes, Impacts and Control MethodsSai Likitha Siddanathi0Lars-Göran Westerberg1Hans O. Åkerstedt2Per Gren3Henrik Wiinikka4Alexey Sepman5Division of Fluid and Experimental Mechanics, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, SwedenDivision of Fluid and Experimental Mechanics, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, SwedenDivision of Fluid and Experimental Mechanics, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, SwedenDivision of Fluid and Experimental Mechanics, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, SwedenEnergy Engineering, Division of Energy Science, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, SwedenRISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Box 726, SE-941 28 Piteå, SwedenIn a non-transferred plasma torch, the working gas becomes ionized and forms plasma as it interacts with the electric arc at the cathode tip. However, in certain cathode shapes, particularly flat ones, and under specific conditions, the gas flow can separate at the cathode tip, forming a vortex region. While this flow separation is influenced by geometric factors, it occurs in the critical zone where plasma is generated. Understanding the causes of this separation is essential, as it may significantly impact torch performance. If the separation proves detrimental, it is important to identify ways to mitigate it. This paper presents a computational analysis of a non-transferred plasma torch to investigate the physics behind flow separation. The results highlight the location and causes of the separation, as well as its potential advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the paper explores theoretical approaches to address flow separation in plasma torches, offering practical insights for enhancing their design and efficiency.https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5521/10/2/47non-transferred plasma torchflat cathodeflow separation |
| spellingShingle | Sai Likitha Siddanathi Lars-Göran Westerberg Hans O. Åkerstedt Per Gren Henrik Wiinikka Alexey Sepman Computational Analysis of Flow Separation in Non-Transferred Plasma Torch: Causes, Impacts and Control Methods Fluids non-transferred plasma torch flat cathode flow separation |
| title | Computational Analysis of Flow Separation in Non-Transferred Plasma Torch: Causes, Impacts and Control Methods |
| title_full | Computational Analysis of Flow Separation in Non-Transferred Plasma Torch: Causes, Impacts and Control Methods |
| title_fullStr | Computational Analysis of Flow Separation in Non-Transferred Plasma Torch: Causes, Impacts and Control Methods |
| title_full_unstemmed | Computational Analysis of Flow Separation in Non-Transferred Plasma Torch: Causes, Impacts and Control Methods |
| title_short | Computational Analysis of Flow Separation in Non-Transferred Plasma Torch: Causes, Impacts and Control Methods |
| title_sort | computational analysis of flow separation in non transferred plasma torch causes impacts and control methods |
| topic | non-transferred plasma torch flat cathode flow separation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5521/10/2/47 |
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