Laminar plasma jets: Generation, characterization, and applications for materials surface processing*
W. X. Pan, G. Li, X. Meng, W. Ma, and C. K. Wu
Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
Abstract: Nontransferred direct current (dc) laminar plasma jets of pure argon were generated at atmospheric pressure, with a generator having an interelectrode insert. Associated with the experimental investigation, similarity theory was adopted to examine the arc voltage characteristics, thermal efficiency, and jet length change of the laminar plasma. Jet flow temperature and velocity were evaluated by various methods. The jet shows good stability, reproducibility, and regular flow field change as functions of generating parameters. Applications of laminar plasma jets for ZrO2 ceramics spray coating and remelt strengthening of metal surface were attempted. The results indicated favorite process efficiency and controllability of the laminar plasma heating.
Keywords: laminar plasma jet; flow field characteristics; spray coating; metal surface heating.
*Paper based on a presentation at the 16th International Symposium on Plasma Chemistry (ISPC-16), Taormina, Italy, 22-27 June 2003. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 345-495.