Simulations and measurements of alumina particles in plasma spraying

Using numerical modeling and Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) methods, a plasma spraying torch is investigated. Calculations are made using both elliptic and parabolic methods. Consequences are reported for axisymmetric turbulent argon plasma jets flowing into a cold air environment with the injection of alumina particles. At a current of 300 A, particle velocities provided by the simulation are compared to LDV measurements with single and double injection. Particle velocities display peak off-axis profile as quantified by LDV and computed by numerical modeling at a distance 4.2 cm from the torch nozzle exit. Particle velocities estimated from modeling are 20% higher than those measured by LDV at the axis. Discrepancies between particle velocities determined from the parabolic and elliptic approaches are within 5%.