Simulation studies to optimize the process of plasma spray deposition of yttrium oxide

Abstract

Simulation studies on the thermal behaviour of yttrium oxide particles in a thermal plasma jet was carried out with the objective of controlling and optimization of the plasma spray process. The 'in-flight' behaviour of yttrium oxide particles in the plasma jet was studied by solving the heat transfer and momentum transfer equations using the velocity and temperature distribution in the plasma jet obtained from a two-dimensional model. In particular, the effect of particle size, thermal power of the torch and the torch operating parameters like gas flow rates were considered to calculate the heat transfer and momentum transfer to the particle. Results of simulation studies agree quite well with the experimental results on variation of deposition efficiency with power and particle size. The complete description of the model with the results obtained for the typical operating parameters of our plasma spray torch is presented in the paper. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.