An Analysis of Transferred Arcjet by Integral Method

A Study on Arcjet for Precision Plasma Cutting (part 1)

Abstract

This paper is concerned with a theoretical analysis of the structure of a transferred arcjet. Integral methods are used to analyze the basic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations for a steady axisymmetric transferred arcjet. By introducing the loss area concept, the basic equations are converted into simple algebraical equations that describe the loss area functions in terms of the plasma properties and operating conditions of the plasma torch. These loss area functions (Displacement Area, Momentum Loss Area, Energy Loss Area) are expected to be useful in gaining a better understanding of the structure of the transferred arcjet and in predicting the cutting perfomance of the transferred arcjet when used for precision plasma cutting of ferrous and nonferrous metals.