This paper presents a method to increase deposition rate of thermal plasma spray operations throu... more This paper presents a method to increase deposition rate of thermal plasma spray operations through the use of multiple injection ports. Numerical simulations indeed revealed a major energy loss in the process when using only one port. The influence of the carrier gas and the particle stream on the heat flow coming from the plasma torch was found very local and small compared to the total amount of energy. To take as much as possible advantage of the energy available in the plume, we thus propose to use a multiple number of injectors around the flame. Computational simulations are carried out to estimate the feasibility. They are based on the 3D Navier-Stokes equations coupled with a turbulence model. The gases (plasma gas, surrounding air and carrier gas) are supposed to be in local thermal and chemical equilibrium and loading effects are accounted for. The numerical results are supplemented by experimental results showing that multiple injectors can significantly increase deposition rate while preserving or even slightly improving the deposition efficiency. Characterisation of the microstructure, evaluated for all tests, is similar and no obvious differences can be detected apart from the porosity. This method thus results in a substantial reduction of the production cost.
This paper presents a method to increase deposition rate of thermal plasma spray operations throu... more This paper presents a method to increase deposition rate of thermal plasma spray operations through the use of multiple injection ports. Numerical simulations indeed revealed a major energy loss in the process when using only one port. The influence of the carrier gas and the particle stream on the heat flow coming from the plasma torch was found very local and small compared to the total amount of energy. To take as much as possible advantage of the energy available in the plume, we thus propose to use a multiple number of injectors around the flame. Computational simulations are carried out to estimate the feasibility. They are based on the 3D Navier-Stokes equations coupled with a turbulence model. The gases (plasma gas, surrounding air and carrier gas) are supposed to be in local thermal and chemical equilibrium and loading effects are accounted for. The numerical results are supplemented by experimental results showing that multiple injectors can significantly increase deposition rate while preserving or even slightly improving the deposition efficiency. Characterisation of the microstructure, evaluated for all tests, is similar and no obvious differences can be detected apart from the porosity. This method thus results in a substantial reduction of the production cost.
Various models coupling the refractory cathode, the cathode sheath and the arc at atmospheric pre... more Various models coupling the refractory cathode, the cathode sheath and the arc at atmospheric pressure exist. They assume a homogeneous cathode with a uniform physical state, and differ by the cathode layer and the plasma arc model. However even the most advanced of these models still fail in predicting the extent of the arc attachment when applied to short high-intensity arcs such as gas tungsten arcs. Cathodes operating in these conditions present a non-uniform physical state. A model taking into account the first level of this non-homogeneity is proposed based on physical criteria. Calculations are done for 5 mm argon arcs with a thoriated tungsten cathode. The results obtained show that radiative heating and cooling of the cathode surface are of the same order. They also show that cathode inhomogeneity has a significant effect on the arc attachment, the arc temperature and pressure. When changing the arc current (100 A, 200 A) the proposed model allows predicting trends observed experimentally that cannot be captured by the homogeneous cathode model unless restricting a priori the size of the arc attachment. The cathode physics is thus an important element to include to obtain a comprehensive and predictive arc model.
Various models coupling the refractory cathode, the cathode sheath and the arc at atmospheric pre... more Various models coupling the refractory cathode, the cathode sheath and the arc at atmospheric pressure exist. They assume a homogeneous cathode with a uniform physical state, and differ by the cathode layer and the plasma arc model. However even the most advanced of these models still fail in predicting the extent of the arc attachment when applied to short high-intensity arcs such as gas tungsten arcs. Cathodes operating in these conditions present a non-uniform physical state. A model taking into account the first level of this non-homogeneity is proposed based on physical criteria. Calculations are done for 5 mm argon arcs with a thoriated tungsten cathode. The results obtained show that radiative heating and cooling of the cathode surface are of the same order. They also show that cathode inhomogeneity has a significant effect on the arc attachment, the arc temperature and pressure. When changing the arc current (100 A, 200 A) the proposed model allows predicting trends observed experimentally that cannot be captured by the homogeneous cathode model unless restricting a priori the size of the arc attachment. The cathode physics is thus an important element to include to obtain a comprehensive and predictive arc model.
We have considered four different approaches for modelling the electromagnetic fields of high-int... more We have considered four different approaches for modelling the electromagnetic fields of high-intensity electric arcs: (i) three-dimensional, (ii) two-dimensional axi-symmetric, (iii) the electric potential formulation and (iv) the magnetic field formulation. The underlying assumptions and the differences between these models are described in detail. Models (i) to (iii) reduce to the same limit for an axi-symmetric configuration with negligible radial current density, contrary to model (iv). Models (i) to (iii) were retained and implemented in the open source CFD software OpenFOAM. The simulation results were first validated against the analytic solution of an infinite electric rod. Perfect agreement was obtained for all the models tested. The electromagnetic models (i) to (iii) were then coupled with thermal fluid mechanics, and applied to axi-symmetric gas tungsten arc welding test cases with short arc (2, 3 and 5 mm) and truncated conical electrode tip. Models (i) and (ii) lead to the same simulation results, but not model (iii). Model (iii) is suited in the specific limit of long axi-symmetric arc with negligible electrode tip effect, i.e. negligible radial current density. For short axi-symmetric arc with significant electrode tip effect, the more general axi-symmetric formulation of model (ii) should instead be used.
We have considered four different approaches for modelling the electromagnetic fields of high-int... more We have considered four different approaches for modelling the electromagnetic fields of high-intensity electric arcs: (i) three-dimensional, (ii) two-dimensional axi-symmetric, (iii) the electric potential formulation and (iv) the magnetic field formulation. The underlying assumptions and the differences between these models are described in detail. Models (i) to (iii) reduce to the same limit for an axi-symmetric configuration with negligible radial current density, contrary to model (iv). Models (i) to (iii) were retained and implemented in the open source CFD software OpenFOAM. The simulation results were first validated against the analytic solution of an infinite electric rod. Perfect agreement was obtained for all the models tested. The electromagnetic models (i) to (iii) were then coupled with thermal fluid mechanics, and applied to axi-symmetric gas tungsten arc welding test cases with short arc (2, 3 and 5 mm) and truncated conical electrode tip. Models (i) and (ii) lead to the same simulation results, but not model (iii). Model (iii) is suited in the specific limit of long axi-symmetric arc with negligible electrode tip effect, i.e. negligible radial current density. For short axi-symmetric arc with significant electrode tip effect, the more general axi-symmetric formulation of model (ii) should instead be used.
Gas tungsten arcs are used as heat sources in production processes such as welding and metal depo... more Gas tungsten arcs are used as heat sources in production processes such as welding and metal deposition.However, the most advanced of the existing gas tungsten arc models still lack predicting the arc temperature observed experimentally, unless imposing a priori the extent of the cathode arc attachment.Possible causes of this problem were investigated. It was concluded that the physical state of the arcing gas tungsten cathode was too simplified by the existing models. This oversimplification results in an overestimation of the cathode arc attachment area and an underestimation of the arc temperature field.An improved model was developed based only on physical criteria. It was tested by comparison with experimental measurements available in the literature. Good agreement with the temperature measured on the cathode surface and within the arc were obtained.
Summary form only given. Arc attachment radius imposed a priori when modelling the coupling betwe... more Summary form only given. Arc attachment radius imposed a priori when modelling the coupling between cathode, cathode layer and thermal plasma still hinders models from being predictive, as underlined in a recent review1. The aim of this work was to find a physical element, still lacking in the models, which could contribute in governing the arc attachment. In this study the cathode layer is modeled within the frame of the partial local thermal equilibrium approach1 including the space charge layer, the Knudsen layer and the ionization layer, while the plasma column is assumed to be in local thermal equilibrium. Several modeling assumptions were questioned based on e.g. contradictory assumptions in the literature, or oversimplified physics compared to experimental observations. For testing model and assumptions, 5 mm argon arc test cases with a sharp cathode geometry that have been investigated experimentally in the literature were calculated. Within this framework, the following conclusions were drawn. The space charge emitted electrons is negligible. The Richardson-Dushman emission law supplemented with Schottky correction is used within its domain of validity when applied to thorium doped tungsten cathodes, which are mainly characterized by a field enhanced thermionic emission regime. The radiative heat absorption from the plasma at the cathode surface is not negligible compared to the radiative emission. Ignoring the non-homogeneous structure and composition of a doped tungsten cathode operated in these conditions leads to a large over-estimation of the extent of the arc attachment, and results in an under-estimation of the arc temperature. A cathode model based on physical criteria for taking into account a first level of the cathode inhomogeneity has a significant effect on the arc attachment and on arc properties such as temperature and pressure. The cathode physics is thus an important element to include for obtaining a comprehensive and predictive arc model.
This study focuses on the modeling of a plasma arc heat source in the context ofelectric arc weld... more This study focuses on the modeling of a plasma arc heat source in the context ofelectric arc welding. The model was implemented in the open source CFD softwareOpenFOAM-1.6.x, coupling thermal fluid ...
This paper presents a method to increase deposition rate of thermal plasma spray operations throu... more This paper presents a method to increase deposition rate of thermal plasma spray operations through the use of multiple injection ports. Numerical simulations indeed revealed a major energy loss in the process when using only one port. The influence of the carrier gas and the particle stream on the heat flow coming from the plasma torch was found very local and small compared to the total amount of energy. To take as much as possible advantage of the energy available in the plume, we thus propose to use a multiple number of injectors around the flame. Computational simulations are carried out to estimate the feasibility. They are based on the 3D Navier-Stokes equations coupled with a turbulence model. The gases (plasma gas, surrounding air and carrier gas) are supposed to be in local thermal and chemical equilibrium and loading effects are accounted for. The numerical results are supplemented by experimental results showing that multiple injectors can significantly increase deposition rate while preserving or even slightly improving the deposition efficiency. Characterisation of the microstructure, evaluated for all tests, is similar and no obvious differences can be detected apart from the porosity. This method thus results in a substantial reduction of the production cost.
This paper presents a method to increase deposition rate of thermal plasma spray operations throu... more This paper presents a method to increase deposition rate of thermal plasma spray operations through the use of multiple injection ports. Numerical simulations indeed revealed a major energy loss in the process when using only one port. The influence of the carrier gas and the particle stream on the heat flow coming from the plasma torch was found very local and small compared to the total amount of energy. To take as much as possible advantage of the energy available in the plume, we thus propose to use a multiple number of injectors around the flame. Computational simulations are carried out to estimate the feasibility. They are based on the 3D Navier-Stokes equations coupled with a turbulence model. The gases (plasma gas, surrounding air and carrier gas) are supposed to be in local thermal and chemical equilibrium and loading effects are accounted for. The numerical results are supplemented by experimental results showing that multiple injectors can significantly increase deposition rate while preserving or even slightly improving the deposition efficiency. Characterisation of the microstructure, evaluated for all tests, is similar and no obvious differences can be detected apart from the porosity. This method thus results in a substantial reduction of the production cost.
Various models coupling the refractory cathode, the cathode sheath and the arc at atmospheric pre... more Various models coupling the refractory cathode, the cathode sheath and the arc at atmospheric pressure exist. They assume a homogeneous cathode with a uniform physical state, and differ by the cathode layer and the plasma arc model. However even the most advanced of these models still fail in predicting the extent of the arc attachment when applied to short high-intensity arcs such as gas tungsten arcs. Cathodes operating in these conditions present a non-uniform physical state. A model taking into account the first level of this non-homogeneity is proposed based on physical criteria. Calculations are done for 5 mm argon arcs with a thoriated tungsten cathode. The results obtained show that radiative heating and cooling of the cathode surface are of the same order. They also show that cathode inhomogeneity has a significant effect on the arc attachment, the arc temperature and pressure. When changing the arc current (100 A, 200 A) the proposed model allows predicting trends observed experimentally that cannot be captured by the homogeneous cathode model unless restricting a priori the size of the arc attachment. The cathode physics is thus an important element to include to obtain a comprehensive and predictive arc model.
Various models coupling the refractory cathode, the cathode sheath and the arc at atmospheric pre... more Various models coupling the refractory cathode, the cathode sheath and the arc at atmospheric pressure exist. They assume a homogeneous cathode with a uniform physical state, and differ by the cathode layer and the plasma arc model. However even the most advanced of these models still fail in predicting the extent of the arc attachment when applied to short high-intensity arcs such as gas tungsten arcs. Cathodes operating in these conditions present a non-uniform physical state. A model taking into account the first level of this non-homogeneity is proposed based on physical criteria. Calculations are done for 5 mm argon arcs with a thoriated tungsten cathode. The results obtained show that radiative heating and cooling of the cathode surface are of the same order. They also show that cathode inhomogeneity has a significant effect on the arc attachment, the arc temperature and pressure. When changing the arc current (100 A, 200 A) the proposed model allows predicting trends observed experimentally that cannot be captured by the homogeneous cathode model unless restricting a priori the size of the arc attachment. The cathode physics is thus an important element to include to obtain a comprehensive and predictive arc model.
We have considered four different approaches for modelling the electromagnetic fields of high-int... more We have considered four different approaches for modelling the electromagnetic fields of high-intensity electric arcs: (i) three-dimensional, (ii) two-dimensional axi-symmetric, (iii) the electric potential formulation and (iv) the magnetic field formulation. The underlying assumptions and the differences between these models are described in detail. Models (i) to (iii) reduce to the same limit for an axi-symmetric configuration with negligible radial current density, contrary to model (iv). Models (i) to (iii) were retained and implemented in the open source CFD software OpenFOAM. The simulation results were first validated against the analytic solution of an infinite electric rod. Perfect agreement was obtained for all the models tested. The electromagnetic models (i) to (iii) were then coupled with thermal fluid mechanics, and applied to axi-symmetric gas tungsten arc welding test cases with short arc (2, 3 and 5 mm) and truncated conical electrode tip. Models (i) and (ii) lead to the same simulation results, but not model (iii). Model (iii) is suited in the specific limit of long axi-symmetric arc with negligible electrode tip effect, i.e. negligible radial current density. For short axi-symmetric arc with significant electrode tip effect, the more general axi-symmetric formulation of model (ii) should instead be used.
We have considered four different approaches for modelling the electromagnetic fields of high-int... more We have considered four different approaches for modelling the electromagnetic fields of high-intensity electric arcs: (i) three-dimensional, (ii) two-dimensional axi-symmetric, (iii) the electric potential formulation and (iv) the magnetic field formulation. The underlying assumptions and the differences between these models are described in detail. Models (i) to (iii) reduce to the same limit for an axi-symmetric configuration with negligible radial current density, contrary to model (iv). Models (i) to (iii) were retained and implemented in the open source CFD software OpenFOAM. The simulation results were first validated against the analytic solution of an infinite electric rod. Perfect agreement was obtained for all the models tested. The electromagnetic models (i) to (iii) were then coupled with thermal fluid mechanics, and applied to axi-symmetric gas tungsten arc welding test cases with short arc (2, 3 and 5 mm) and truncated conical electrode tip. Models (i) and (ii) lead to the same simulation results, but not model (iii). Model (iii) is suited in the specific limit of long axi-symmetric arc with negligible electrode tip effect, i.e. negligible radial current density. For short axi-symmetric arc with significant electrode tip effect, the more general axi-symmetric formulation of model (ii) should instead be used.
Gas tungsten arcs are used as heat sources in production processes such as welding and metal depo... more Gas tungsten arcs are used as heat sources in production processes such as welding and metal deposition.However, the most advanced of the existing gas tungsten arc models still lack predicting the arc temperature observed experimentally, unless imposing a priori the extent of the cathode arc attachment.Possible causes of this problem were investigated. It was concluded that the physical state of the arcing gas tungsten cathode was too simplified by the existing models. This oversimplification results in an overestimation of the cathode arc attachment area and an underestimation of the arc temperature field.An improved model was developed based only on physical criteria. It was tested by comparison with experimental measurements available in the literature. Good agreement with the temperature measured on the cathode surface and within the arc were obtained.
Summary form only given. Arc attachment radius imposed a priori when modelling the coupling betwe... more Summary form only given. Arc attachment radius imposed a priori when modelling the coupling between cathode, cathode layer and thermal plasma still hinders models from being predictive, as underlined in a recent review1. The aim of this work was to find a physical element, still lacking in the models, which could contribute in governing the arc attachment. In this study the cathode layer is modeled within the frame of the partial local thermal equilibrium approach1 including the space charge layer, the Knudsen layer and the ionization layer, while the plasma column is assumed to be in local thermal equilibrium. Several modeling assumptions were questioned based on e.g. contradictory assumptions in the literature, or oversimplified physics compared to experimental observations. For testing model and assumptions, 5 mm argon arc test cases with a sharp cathode geometry that have been investigated experimentally in the literature were calculated. Within this framework, the following conclusions were drawn. The space charge emitted electrons is negligible. The Richardson-Dushman emission law supplemented with Schottky correction is used within its domain of validity when applied to thorium doped tungsten cathodes, which are mainly characterized by a field enhanced thermionic emission regime. The radiative heat absorption from the plasma at the cathode surface is not negligible compared to the radiative emission. Ignoring the non-homogeneous structure and composition of a doped tungsten cathode operated in these conditions leads to a large over-estimation of the extent of the arc attachment, and results in an under-estimation of the arc temperature. A cathode model based on physical criteria for taking into account a first level of the cathode inhomogeneity has a significant effect on the arc attachment and on arc properties such as temperature and pressure. The cathode physics is thus an important element to include for obtaining a comprehensive and predictive arc model.
This study focuses on the modeling of a plasma arc heat source in the context ofelectric arc weld... more This study focuses on the modeling of a plasma arc heat source in the context ofelectric arc welding. The model was implemented in the open source CFD softwareOpenFOAM-1.6.x, coupling thermal fluid ...
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Papers by Isabelle Choquet