Reverse-flow swirl radio-frequency induction plasmatron

Experimentally observed modes of an rf induction (RFI) discharge in argon w ith reverse-flow swirl stabilization are described. The data on the simulat ion of RFI plasmatrons are analyzed; it is demonstrated that, for the case of highly swirling flows, a correct inclusion of gasdynamic effects is of m ost importance. The procedure employed for simulation was previously used i n a direct-flow swirl plasmatron with nondiaphragmed outlet to demonstrate that an intense swirling of flow results in the emergence of reverse how ov er the entire length of the plasmatron chamber. The direct-flow swirl and r everse-flow swirl stabilization methods are compared from the standpoint of efficiency of plasma jet generation with the aid of calorimetric measureme nts and numerical simulation of an argon RFI plasmatron of constant geometr y. It is demonstrated that the reverse-flow swirl stabilization is more eff icient from the standpoint of possible applications of RFI discharge.