Simulation and experimental studies of particles interaction with plasma jet in vacuum plasma spraying processes

Mathematical and computer models of movement and heating of particles under low-pressure conditions have been developed The mathematical models are ba sed on the molecular-kinetics theory of gases. A program complex for comput er realization of models has been developed. It contains a built-in databas e of temperature-dependent properties of substances, a system of processing and graphic visualization of simulation results. For verification of the d eveloped models, computer simulation and experimental measurements of Al2O3 particle temperature and velocity where conducted. This material was spray ed with "Plasmatechnik" equipment at a pressure of 60 mBar in argon. The pa rticle velocity was measured with a special optical device; the particle te mperature was defined by an intensity radiation method. It has been establi shed that the developed models are adequate to a real process (error of 5-8 % and may be used for study and improvement of vacuum plasma spraying (VPS ) processes.