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 fi eld. Plasma flow is analyzed using Eulerian approach and the equation of particle motion is simultaneously solved using a trajectory analysi s with a lumped-heat-capacity model. Axisymmetric two-dimensional elec tromagnetic fields governed by Maxwell's equations are solved based on a vector potential concept. The effects of the RF electromagnetic fie ld 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 al so clarified in an attempt to improve the plasma spraying process.