Numerical modeling of flows of different plasma constituting gases in RF-plasmatron facility

Abstract

Numerical results of plasma flow parameter studies a represented in the paper for a high temperature facility with inductively coupled 1 MWt power plasmatorch (RF-plasmatron) operating with different work gases. Argon, nitrogen, air and carbon dioxide/nitrogen mixture (corresponding to Martian atmosphere) were chosen for the study. Modelling the problem of discharge chamber flow was based on mutual consideration of Navier ‒ Stokes and Maxwell equations at given mass flow rates (G = 5 ÷ 30 g/s) over pressure range of р = 10 ÷ 200 mbar and delivered power (energy supply) of N = 50 ÷ 300 kWt. Values of parameters at the discharge chamber exit (Fig. 1) were used then for computation of flow in the work chamber and around test models and probes (Fig. 2). Gas mixture models accounting for nonequilibrium thermochemical processes were utilized under solution of the problems. Developed soft ware is used for both plasma flow diagnostics and interpretation of tests on heat transfer, specification of thermal stability and catalicity of heat shield materials.