Turbulence phenomena in the radio frequency induction plasma torch

The mathematical modeling of the flow and temperature fields in an inductiv ely coupled radio frequency (rf) plasma torch is carried out with the objec tive of elucidating the basic of turbulence phenomena met under such discha rge conditions. Temperature and density fluctuations are included in the k- epsilon turbulence model to investigate their effect on the plasma turbulen ce and energy transfer. Two distinct regions, one almost fully laminar and another significantly turbulent, are shown to coexist in the discharge. The effects of operation parameters on the plasma turbulence are discussed. (C ) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.