Prediction of Generation Rates in "Reactive Arc Plasma" Ultrafine Powder Production Process

Abstract

The vaporization rates of several metal beads subjected to transferred arc plasma impingement were calculated based on combined mathematical models of the arc plasma and the metal bead. Predictions of vaporization rates are made by solving conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy of the arc and the metal target. As a result of examination of three vaporization models, vaporization rate of metals in transferred arc plasma impingement is described well by a combined Langmuir vaporization and mass transfer through the anode concentration boundary layer. The vaporization rate of metals at the molten pool surface increases with the use of nitrogen gas over argon, increasing arc current, shorter arc lengths, or a higher gas inflow rate.