Numerical Simulation of a DC Arc Plasmatron Taking into Account the Plasma Flux Instability Phenomena
Unsteady mathematical models of an arc plasmatron involving inter-electrode inserts with vortex stabilization and axial supply of plasma-producing gas, and taking into account the plasma flux instability phenomena are developed in the Comsol Multiphysics software environment. The physical phenomena influencing the plasma flux stability are analyzed. Based on an analysis of the obtained data, factors influencing the plasma flux stability have been determined along with their mutual influence with a view to compensate for the onset of flow instability. The Reynolds number critical values have been determined more exactly by comparing the numerical simulation results obtained from the verified mathematical model in the identical operation modes of an arc plasmatron with the data from the performed experimental investigations. The study results have shown that the Reynolds number critical value for the Type PN-V1 plasmatron is equal to 267 and 212 in the cases of using the Type APR-403 and Type APR-404 power supplies, respectively.